Skill Development Scam Case: SC adjourns hearing of Andhra Pradesh’s plea against the regular bail granted to Chandrababu Naidu until February 26, 2024

On February 12, 2024, the Supreme Court (SC) of India adjourned the hearing of a plea filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh against the regular bail granted to former Chief Minister of the state and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N. Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development scam case until February 26, 2024. The bench was hearing a special leave petition by the State of Andhra Pradesh challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court order granting bail to TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Bela M Trivedi heard the contentions of Senior Advocate (SA) Sidharth Luthra, appearing for former CM, and Advocate Ranjit Kumar appearing for State of Andhra Pradesh. During the SC proceedings, SA Luthra on behalf of Naidu’s lead counsel, SA Harish Salve, sought time for listing the matter. In contrast, Advocate Kumar urged the top court to list the matter as soon as possible stating, “Twice, they have taken time, Again they are seeking an adjournment…” After hearing the matter, the bench directed the matter to be listed after two weeks and specified the date of hearing on Advocate Kumar’s insistence, 26 February 2024.