The Andhra Pradesh High Court has approved a temporary release for TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu, extending for a period of four weeks, regarding the AP Skill Development Corporation case. Naidu had been detained on September 9, following the state crime investigation department's claims of having preliminary evidence implicating him in the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs 371 crore from the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation through fictitious companies during the Telugu Desam Party's governance from 2014 to 2019.
Last month, Naidu's request to dismiss the first information report (FIR) was denied by the Andhra Pradesh High Court. In his plea, Naidu argued that the trial court's order to remand him in custody did not consider the failure of the CID to obtain prior approval from the governor, as mandated by Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Justice K Sreenivas Reddy's bench determined that obtaining prior authorization from the competent authority was unnecessary for the investigation. This decision was based on the understanding that the alleged misuse of public funds for personal gain did not constitute an act within the scope of official duties. The court also concurred that, given the gravity of economic offenses, the investigation should not face hindrance, especially at this initial stage.
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