Investigation – High Court Seeks Explanation on Withdrawal of CBI Probe Request
Investigation – The Andhra Pradesh High Court has sought a clear explanation from the mother of deceased Sai Krishna after she moved to withdraw her petition requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into her son’s alleged custodial death.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday raised questions over the decision taken by Gade Vijayalakshmi, the mother of Sai Krishna, to withdraw her plea seeking a CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding her son’s alleged custodial death. The court observed that the request required proper justification, considering the nature of the allegations made in the original petition.
Court Seeks Detailed Reason for Withdrawal
A division bench comprising Justice Ravi Nath Tilhari and Justice Chintalapudi Purushotham Kumar directed Vijayalakshmi to clearly state the reasons behind her decision to discontinue the plea. The judges pointed out that her earlier petition had specifically argued for transferring the investigation from the state authorities to the CBI, citing several concerns. Since the latest withdrawal application did not adequately explain the change in her stand, the bench asked her to submit a revised petition with complete details.
Fresh Petition Ordered by the Bench
The court noted that the withdrawal application contained procedural shortcomings and required clarification before any decision could be taken. It instructed the petitioner to file a fresh application explaining why she no longer wished to pursue the demand for a CBI investigation. The bench also declined a request for an immediate hearing and scheduled the matter for further consideration after four weeks.
Separate Public Interest Litigation Dismissed
In another development linked to the same matter, the High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by senior YSR Congress Party leader Ambati Rambabu. The petition had also sought a CBI investigation into Sai Krishna’s alleged custodial death.
A separate division bench consisting of Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice Challa Gunaranjan observed that legal proceedings concerning the same issue were already pending before the court. The judges stated that entertaining multiple PILs on an identical subject was not appropriate under the circumstances.
Court Suggests Alternative Legal Options
While dismissing the PIL, the High Court advised the petitioner to explore other legal remedies available under the law if necessary. The bench emphasized that the existence of an already pending petition on the same issue prevented the court from considering another public interest case seeking similar relief.
The developments mean that the primary proceedings related to the request for a CBI investigation remain under judicial scrutiny. The court will now await Vijayalakshmi’s revised application explaining her decision before taking any further steps in the matter. The next hearing has been scheduled after a four-week interval, during which the petitioner is expected to submit the required clarification.