The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to interfere with the Andhra Pradesh High Court orders directing the Central Bureau of Investigation and other agencies to conduct a probe into TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu's alleged illegal assets.
TDP MP Nama Nageshwar Rao, industrialist C M Ramesh and media baron Ramoji Rao filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court against the High Court orders. In their petition, they argued that the High Court order was against the principles of natural justice as they were not served notices and their version was not heard. They said the order violates the Article 21 of the Constitution and damages the reputation of people concerned.
However, a three member bench comprising Justice D Bhandari, Justice Deepak Mishra and Justice T D Thakur rejected their petition and refused to stay the probe. But, the bench asked the petitioners to put their arguments before the AP High Court as it was dealing with the matter. The apex court said that it would direct the High Court to hear their arguments within 15 days.
It was on November 14 that the State High Court ordered a preliminary probe by the CBI and other agencies into the alleged illegal assets of Chandrababu Naidu. The court issued ordered based on a petition filed by Pulivendula MLA YS Vijayamma, the widow of the former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. The agencies were asked to probe the land allotments and sanctioning of various projects to his allies by Chandrababu during his tenure as the Chief Minister and submit a report within three months. (INN)
2011/9/2 9:40:11 The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant stay on the AP High Court orders for a full fledged Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the alleged APIIC-Emaar Properties land scam.
A division bench consisting of Justices Dalwir Bhandari and Deepak Varma stated that they the court didn’t find reasons to stay the CBI inquiry into the alleged scam. “The court does not want to interfere with the investigation at this point of time,” said the bench. Adjourning the hearing of the case till next week, apex court issued notices to Textiles Minister Dr P Shankar Rao, CBI and other respondents.
It may be recalled that the CBI agency has launched investigation into the alleged nexus in allotment of land between APIIC-Emaar and amassing of illegal wealth by YSR Congress party president Jaganmohan Reddy on the orders of the state High Court. Earlier, Jagan Mohan Reddy had made a futile attempt to get the stay on CBI probe from the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile the CBI in Hyderabad issued fresh notices to Jagati publications Vice-chairman Vijayasai Reddy over the investments made in the publications by various companies. Earlier, the CBI examined various seized records and documents at its office before serving notices to Vijayasai Reddy. It asked Vijayasai Reddy to appear before the agency for questioning in connection with the investments.
The CBI authorities also handed over the seized documents and records to Enforcement Directorate to continue the probe.
Meanwhile, Minister Dr Shankar Rao welcomed the Supreme Court verdict and said he would reply to the notice that the apex court has issued to him, once he receives it. (INN)
2011/12/14 15:45:48 The state High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the vacate petition of Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu in the case of preliminary CBI probe into his alleged illegal assets.
The division bench comprising Justice Rohini and Aushutosh Mohanta, who heard the arguments of both the respondents and petitioners kept the verdict reserved.
The bench also heard the petition of Reliance Group wanting to implead in the case following allegations of corruption in the Krishna Godavari basin project.
Earlier, the bench had given a stay on the preliminary probe by CBI, ED and Union Home Ministry on Chandrababu Naidu and 12 others including Naidu wife bhuvaneswari, son lokesh, media baron Ramoji Rao, TDP MP Y Satyanarayana Chowdhary, head of Sujana group and TDP Khammam MP Nama Nageswar Rao and others.
A defence counsel said that the abeyance in the CBI probe ordered by the high court will continue till further orders by the division bench.
Meanwhile, Vijayamma's counsels declared that he would approach the Supreme Court against the lower court verdict. (INN)
Why Jagan is afraid of probe if not guilty, asks CPI
2011/8/17 2:13:15 Communist Party of India state general secretary K Narayana on Wednesday asked as to why YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has approached the Supreme Court seeking stay against the CBI probe against his alleged illegal assets. He said Jagans efforts to stall the probe are an admission that he amassed wealth illegally.
Talking to media persons after participating in a dharna at Himayath nagar, K Narayana said there was no need to file a petition seeking stay on CBI probe if Jagan has not committed any mistake.
He asked as to why Jagan, who earlier stated that he was ready for any kind of probe, was backtracking on CBI probe? If Jagan has not resorted to illegal methods what is the need for him to file a petition in the Supreme Court? He advised Jagan to cooperate with CBI and high court officials to complete the probe and come clean from the corruption allegations.
Condemning the arrest of civil activist Anna hazare, Narayana demanded his immediate release. Besides, he asked the centre to apologies to Anna Hazare. (INN)
2011/12/13 16:24:34 The State High Court on Tuesday stayed the execution of the November 14th order for preliminary probe by the CBI on assets of Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu and 13 others.
While issuing the interim orders, the bench comprising of Justice Rohini and Ashutosh Mahanta directed the CBI, ED and other agencies to stop their investigations against Naidu and others listed in the public interest litigation of Pulivendula MLA YS Vijayamma and adjourned the hearing on the petition to Wednesday.
D Srinivas, the advocate for respondents, said the court given an interim stay on the probe after thorough scrutiny of all the documentation and reports submitted by the petitioners. The counsel maintained that the preliminary enquiry was against the principles of natural justice.
The counsel wondered how the enquiry was ordered without giving notices to respondents in the cases and appealed to court to hold the probe.
Meanwhile, Vijayamma's counsel had raised objections against the bench of Justice Rohini also in the Supreme Court and requested for shifting of the hearing of her petition to any court outside Andhra Pradesh. She had already raised objections against the bench of Justice Eswaraiah which led to shifting of the case to the bench of Justice Rohini. (INN)
2011/11/17 15:37:30 Primary Education Minister S Sailajanath on Thursday stated that the Congress was in no way connected to the CBI probe ordered by the State High Court against Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu over his alleged illegal assets.
Talking to media persons at Congress Legislature Party Office, Sailajanath denied the allegations levelled by senor leaders of the TDP stating that Congress and YSR Congress party have colluded against Naidu and were responsible for ordering of CBI probe through the High Court. He said that Naidu was trying to divert people's attention in order to escape the probe. He advised the TDP chief to respect the High Court's directions and cooperate with the CBI officials in the investigation.
MLC Rudraraju Padmaraju demanded that Naidu resign from the post of Opposition Leader till the completion of CBI probe. He said a Dalit leader should replace Naidu as the Leader of the Opposition.
Stating that Congress party was committed to eradicate corruption, Government whip Kondru Murali asked Naidu to prove his innocence and come out clean from all the charges. (INN)
2011/11/26 13:07:36 The Congress Legislature Party on Saturday demanded Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu to resign from the post Opposition Leader in the wake of Central Bureau of Investigation launching probe against his alleged illegal properties.
Talking to media persons at the CLP office, Congress MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy asked Naidu to quit the Opposition Leader's post to facilitate the CBI conduct an impartial probe against his alleged illegal assets. The probing agency could not conduct impartial and transparent probe if he continues on the post, he said. He also advised Naidu to cooperate with the CBI and other agencies, instead of trying to stay the probe ordered by the High Court, based on a petition filed by Pulivendula MLA YS Vijayamma.
Ramana Reddy also accused Naidu of trying to project himself at the champion of farmers' in New Delhi, only to escape the CBI probe. He said Naidu did not hold serious discussions on farmers' issue and instead, focussed his trip on finding ways to avoid the CBI probe against his alleged illegal properties.
Congress MLA Krishna Reddy objected to the call given Telangana Political Joint action committee chairman Prof M Kodandaram to the Telangana Congress MLAs not to participate in the Rachabanda programme. He said it was wrong on the part of Prof Kodandaram to prevent the elected representatives from addressing the problems being faced by the people.
Krishna Reddy alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K Chandrasekhar Rao was demanding Telangana state only with an intention to protect his party in the region. However, he predicted that the TRS would merge into Congress party, with or without the formation of Telangana State.
MLC Rudraraju Padma Raju was also present in the press conference. (INN)
2011/11/26 13:07:36 The Congress Legislature Party on Saturday demanded Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu to resign from the post Opposition Leader in the wake of Central Bureau of Investigation launching probe against his alleged illegal properties.
Talking to media persons at the CLP office, Congress MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy asked Naidu to quit the Opposition Leader's post to facilitate the CBI conduct an impartial probe against his alleged illegal assets. The probing agency could not conduct impartial and transparent probe if he continues on the post, he said. He also advised Naidu to cooperate with the CBI and other agencies, instead of trying to stay the probe ordered by the High Court, based on a petition filed by Pulivendula MLA YS Vijayamma.
Ramana Reddy also accused Naidu of trying to project himself at the champion of farmers' in New Delhi, only to escape the CBI probe. He said Naidu did not hold serious discussions on farmers' issue and instead, focussed his trip on finding ways to avoid the CBI probe against his alleged illegal properties.
Congress MLA Krishna Reddy objected to the call given Telangana Political Joint action committee chairman Prof M Kodandaram to the Telangana Congress MLAs not to participate in the Rachabanda programme. He said it was wrong on the part of Prof Kodandaram to prevent the elected representatives from addressing the problems being faced by the people.
Krishna Reddy alleged that Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K Chandrasekhar Rao was demanding Telangana state only with an intention to protect his party in the region. However, he predicted that the TRS would merge into Congress party, with or without the formation of Telangana State.
MLC Rudraraju Padma Raju was also present in the press conference. (INN)
2011/12/24 9:23:46 Pradesh Congress Party president Botsa Satyanarayana on Friday denied allegations that he was involved in the liquor syndicate.
Talking to media persons at Gandhi Bhavan, Botsa said that he was ready for any kind of probe to proof that he was not connected to the liquor syndicate exposed by the Anti Corruption Bureau. He rubbished the allegations levelled by Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu stating that he had nexus with the liquor syndicate which bribed politicians, excise officials and journalists.
Botsa said that Naidu was levelling baseless allegations against him in order to get political mileage on the issue. Unlike Naidu, who got stay orders from courts to stall the probe on corruption charges, the PCC chief said that he would never file a petition seeking stay orders. “I am ready for any kind of probe and would fully cooperate with the officials in this connection,” he stated.
The PCC chief said that except Vizianagaram he had no liquor shops elsewhere in the state. “If Naidu comes with proof that I have shops elsewhere in the state, I am ready to transfer their ownership to Naidu,” he said.
Botsa clarified that the Anti Corruption Bureau conducted the raids independently and they were not politically motivated. He said that Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy himself ordered those raids to curb and expose corruption.
The PCC president hailed the decision of the Union Cabinet to give 4.5 per cent reservation for the minorities across the country under the OBC quota. He reminded that the Congress Government was the first to introduce Muslim reservation and it benefitted thousands of Muslims in the State.
Botsa said that the party would celebrate 127th Indian National Congress party Formation Day at a grand scale on December 28 in all the districts. (INN)
2011/11/16 17:21:50 Communist Party of India state secretary K Narayana on Wednesday described the Central Bureau of Investigation against Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu as 'politically motivated.'
Talking to media persons at Makhdhoom Bhavan, Narayana said that the probe against Naidu on the instructions of State High Court was aimed at tarnishing his political image. Unable to deal with him politically, he said that Pulivendula MLA Y S Vijayamma filed a petition in the court seeking probe into his assets. However, he expressed confidence that Naidu would come out clean from all the charges and truth would come to light after the probe.
Responding to a question on Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar rejecting the resignation of Telangana MPs, the CPI leader hailed her decision. He said that the Congress party is apparently trying to drag Telangana statehood issue till 2014 elections. “The acceptance of resignations will not serve any purpose except causing by-elections in the constituencies. The Telangana state will be achieved only through consistent agitations,” he stated. (INN)
NTR TDP president Lakshmi Parvati has said that hero Nandamuri Balakrishna would not be able to change the fortunes of the TDP as was being felt by that party and its president N Chandrababu Naidu.
Talking to the media, she reminded them that in 2009 TDP was defeated in all the constituencies where Balakrishna had campaigned. She said Balakrishna was a person without individuality. She has predicted that TDP would
vanish after the next elections.
Referring to the fight of Naidu on people’s problems, she said he had no commitment towards the welfare of the people.
On the CBI probe into different scams, Lakshmi Parvati has expressed the view that it lacked transparency.
She said if the probe had been conducted honestly, Naidu would have gone to jail by this time.
2011/10/18 2:56:40 Pradesh Congress Committee president Botsa Satyanarayana on Tuesday supported the PIL filed by YSR Congress party MLA YS Vijaya Laxmi in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking CBI probe into the assets of Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu.
Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan, Botsa advised Chandrababu Naidu not to file any counter and allow the court to order a probe into the allegations of corruption against him. He said the case would give a great opportunity for Naidu to prove that he was clean and never indulged in corruption during his tenure as the Chief Minister for nine years.
Botsa said Naidu has been advocating anti-corruption campaign launched by social activists Anna Hazare. Therefore, now he should not file any counter to stop the enquiry into the assets. He said if the court orders an enquiry into the assets, then Naidu would be able to prove that he never abused power to accumulate wealth.
Citing the example of CBI's probe into the alleged disproportionate assets of Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the PCC president said that people thinks that he is corrupt because he tried to block the investigations by approaching various courts including the Supreme Court. However, he advised Naidu not to file any counter and instead request the High Court to take action on the petition filed by Vijaya Laxmi. (INN)
2012/1/21 12:10:17 Describing TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu as an escapist for taking refuge in stay orders, Raychoti MLA Srikanth Reddy on Saturday said it would be dignified on his part if he volunteers for an inquiry into the allegations that have come up against him.
“Naidu has never faced a trial and has always been evading courts and inquiries through stay orders. If he is sincere and has nothing to hide, he should voluntarily depose before the court and answer all the questions raised on his illegal assets and corruption charges,” he told reporters at YSRC Party office here.
Similar charges were levelled against YS Jagan Mohan, who is boldly facing them and is extending full cooperation with the legal system and investigating authorities as YSRC believes in the legal system while Chandrababu Naidu always tries to run away from the reality and does not want any probe, he said adding that Naidu claiming that he was given a clean chit on the case filed by YS Vijayamma was ridiculous.
“Even before his father became the chief minister Jagan had Rs 140-crore power plant and was an entrepreneur. He neither lobbied for any favours even after YSR took over the reins of the state,’ he said.
Taking strong objection to the language used by Naidu against YSR on the statues issue, he said, such a language is not acceptable in a civil society. It is unbecoming of a former chief minister to utter such words and the statues were erected by fans and it was not a sponsored programme as alleged by TDP.
YSR fans have voluntarily contributed to the statues and most of them are from the weaker sections and minorities, he said.
Naidu’s claim that he was responsible for the IT development in the State cannot be taken on its face value as there was an IT boom world over from mid-90s. The development would have come any way, whoever be the chief minister. (INN)
2012/1/29 12:26:41 Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the murder of Regency Ceramics Factory president (O&M) KC Chandrasekhar who was killed during the violence in Yanam on Friday.
Talking to reporters after laying wreath on Chandrasekhar's body, which was brought to his residence at Jubilee Hills, Naidu suspected that the murder could be the result of some political conspiracy. Therefore, he demanded that all the incidents of violence in Yanam should be investigated in a fair and transparent manner. He asked the government to order a CBI probe into the incidents.
It may be mentioned that Yanam police have already registered five cases of murder, rioting, arson, looting and unlawful assembly. Five teams have been formed to investigate the violence in which Chandrasekhar was killed.
Chandrasekhar's last rites were performed at Shamshan Vatika at Punjagutta. (INN)
2011/12/5 14:25:34 Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy challenged Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu to prove the allegations levelled against her in connection with the mining lease of Obulapuram Mining Corporation, with substantial proof.
Responding to Naidu's charges levelled against her and her family members during the discussion on the No Confidence Motion in the Assembly on Monday, the Home Minister stated that she was ready for any kind of probe. She asked Naidu to file a written complaint with the probing agency against her if he was ready to prove the allegations. “I am ready for any kind of probe anywhere and at anytime,” she said.
Sabitha alleged that Naidu has levelled baseless allegations to tarnish her image. She said Naidu, as an experienced politician, should uphold values in politics instead of levelling baseless allegations. (INN)
2011/11/19 14:40:11 Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrabau Naidu on Saturday reiterated that his party was not involved in any misdoings during its tenure.
Addressing a gathering at Kalwakurthi as part of Rythu Porubata, Naidu said that the TDP never indulged in any scam or other misappropriation during his nine-year rule. Stating that he was not afraid of the CBI probe ordered against, he said the all the allegations were aimed at tarnishing his political image.
Naidu promised that the TDP, if voted to power, would ensure appropriate MSP to the agriculture produce of farmers. He also promised that all agricultural loans would be waived once TDP returns to power. He criticised the government for having failed to provide assistance to the drought-hit farmers in the State.
The TDP chief also addressed gathering at Madugula and Amanagallu in Mahabubnagar district, Ibrahimpatnam of Ranga Reddy district and Mall of Nalgonda district. (INN)
2007/10/11 10:53:19 Chief minister Y S Rajashekar Reddy has picked up the gauntlet thrown by TDP chief Chandra Babu Naidu. Babu had alleged that YS is making one crore rupees per hour ever since he assumed office. Reacting to this, YS agreed to constitute a probe. The government has now decided to order a judicial enquiry into the assists of both Y S Rajashekar Reddy and Chandra Babu Naidu. A retired high court judge will in all probability head the probe. The guidelines for the enquiry would be formulated in a day or two.
2011/11/23 14:06:06 Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday hailed the Supreme Court decision of not to interfere in the Andhra Pradesh High Court's order directing the CBI and other agencies to probe allegations of financial irregularities against himself and other respondents.
Talking to media persons after participating in the padayatra as part of Rythu Porubata at Eeriepaka village in Jaggampeta mandal in East Godavari district, Naidu said that he would respect the apex court orders and cooperate with probing agencies in their investigations. With the apex court directions, Naidu said TDP leaders and respondents have got an opportunity to present strong arguments through their counsel in the state High Court.
Naidu made this comments after the apex court bench refused to give stay on Special Leave Petition filed by TDP MP Nama Nageswara rao, Industrialist C M Ramesh and media baron Ramoji Rao stating that the High Court order was against the principles of natural justice as they were not served notices and their version was not heard.
Meanwhile, TDP MP Nama Nageswara Rao said that they have approached the Supreme Court as they felt that the High Court order was against the principles of natural justice. He expressed confidence that High Court would do justice to their petition and hear their arguments within 15 days as per the direction of apex court.
Nageswara Rao alleged that Pulivendula MLA Y S Vijayamma filed the petition in the state high court with a political motive and to divert the attention of people on CBI probe going on against Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. (INN)
2011/11/14 14:58:09 Hailing the State High Court ordering probe against his alleged illegal assets, Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday stated that he was not afraid of such investigations.
Talking to media persons at Kotthavalasa in Vizianagaram district where he is participating in Rythu Porubata programme, the TDP chief said that he would respect the court orders and cooperate with the probing agencies in the investigation. He alleged that Pulivendula MLA Y S Vijayamma filed petition in the court against his properties after the YSR Congress party failed to beat him politically and is now trying to tarnish his image and reputation.
Stating that he had reeled out his and family members properties to public, Naidu described the charges levelled by Vijayamma against him as ‘baseless’ and ‘far from truth.’ Stating that he was not involved in any mischief and frauds, he said that he would not fear about the CBI probe. “I will come out clean in the investigation,” he claimed.
Admitting that he had faced investigation 24 times and went to court 18 times, Naidu said that nothing has been proved against him so far. He also took serious exception over court ordering primary investigation without serving any notice to him. He said that he would consult legal experts and seek their suggestions in this regard.
A division bench of the State High Court ordered the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to probe into the alleged illegal assets of TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and submit a report within three months in a sealed cover. (INN)
I didn't get any land during TDP regime: Murali Mohan
2011/11/20 12:09:57 Movie Artistes Association president Murali Mohan on Sunday suspected the Congress hand behind Pulivendula MLA Y S Vijayamma filing petition against Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu in connection with amassing of wealth illegally.
Talking to media persons, Murali Mohan said that he was planning to move a petition in the court against the HC directions ordering CBI probe against Naidu properties. Alleging the Congress had conspired with YSR Congress to target Naidu, he said that the TDP chief was not afraid to face any kind of probe and expressed confidence that he would come out clean from such 'baseless allegations'.
Stating that he had not taken a cent of land from the government during the stint of Naidu, he termed the allegations of Vijayamma as baseless and far from truth. He said he was not involved in any irregularities or corruption.
Meanwhile, he hoped that the CBI would conduct an impartial probe ordered by the High Court. He also compared the CBI Joint Director VV Laxminarayana with Anna Hazare, the crusader of corruption.
Responding to a question on Telangana agitation, he said that the elected representatives have submitted resignations to their posts not for the cause of Telangana state, but only to protect their political interests. (INN)
2011/11/27 14:57:21 Minister for Housing Kanna Laxminarayana on Sunday accused Telugu Desam party president N Chandrababu Naidu of indulging in black mail politics.
Talking to media persons, the Minister said that Naidu instead of facing the probe of Central Bureau of Investigation on his assets and properties, was dragging Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other ministers into the controversy and seeking inquiry against their properties. He said that Naidu has no moral right to seek probe against Sonia Gandhi, who was working sincerely for party and government without involving in any controversy.
Laxminarayana asked Naidu to face inquiry without any fear if he was not involved in any corruption and cooperate with the probing officials. Recalling that his petition against Naidu filed seven years ago was rejected by the court on technical grounds, the Minister said that court has not given any clean chit to the TDP chief in the case.
Naidu alleged that Naidu was politicizing the Racha Banda programme with an eye on the Chief Minister’s post. He also slammed YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy for staking claim on the policies and schemes of YSR. He said that YSR introduced all schemes and programmes on behalf of Congress party and not at his personal level. (INN)