New Delhi: In a setback to senior woman IAS
officer from Andhra Pradesh, Y Srilakshmi, allegedly involved in the Obulapuram mining scam along with Karnataka`s Reddy
brothers, the Supreme Court Monday refused to grant her bail.
A bench of justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad asked
Srilakshmi to approach the special CBI judge in Hyderabad,
dealing with the case, for bail.
The apex court said it was not inclined to grant her any relief at this stage as the CBI had filed its supplementary chargesheet and it would be appropriate if the officer makes a fresh bail plea before the court concerned.
Srilakshmi had moved the apex court challenging the Andhra
Pradesh High Court order cancelling her bail, granted by the
special CBI judge. The high court had cancelled the bail on
the ground that she had the propensity to tamper with the
evidence and influence the witnesses.
Additional Solicitor General Vivek Tankha appearing for
the CBI opposed Srilakshmi`s bail plea, saying her presence
was still necessary for the investigating agency.
Senior counsel L Nageswara Rao, appearing for Srilakshmi,
however, argued that the officer was willing to cooperate with
the investigating agencies and that there was no threat from
her to witnesses.
He submitted as the investigation has been completed and
the supplementary chargesheet filed, there was no need to
detain her further as it would be violative of her right to
life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The bench, however, was not convinced with the argument
and asked the IAS officer to approach the CBI court afresh.
PTI
