‘Atrocious & Unacceptable’: SC Stays HC Order Prohibiting CBI From Questioning MP Avinash Reddy

The Supreme Court on Friday took issue with Telangana High Court’s orders restricting the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from questioning Kadapa Member of Parliament (MP) YS Avinash Reddy in a murder case.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha stayed the High Court’s orders that the CBI’s questions be printed and distributed in advance, and that the interrogation be taped.

“What kind of order is this by the High Court? Atrocious order. Unacceptable,” the bench remarked.

The bench passed these directions while hearing YS Avinash Reddy’s anticipatory bail application in connection with the investigation into the death of YS Vivekananda Reddy. It is to be noted that YS Avinash Reddy is the cousin of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Sunita Narredy, daughter of the deceased, moved the High Court order before the Apex Court.

In its order, the Supreme Court sought Avinash Reddy’s response in the matter and stayed further proceedings in the case before the High Court.

The CBI, on the other hand, granted Avinash Reddy protection from arrest until the next hearing date, which is on Monday, April 24.

Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Sidharth Luthra stated that the challenged order had effectively stalled the investigation, which had been ordered by the apex court to be completed by April 30, 2023.

It was also alleged that the MP had never cooperated with the investigation agency and thus was not entitled to any protection.

At today’s hearing, CBI counsel pointed out that the bail applicant had coerced some officials into saying he had a heart attack in order to avoid interrogation.