Court reserves verdict on Jagan's bail plea

The Supreme Court today heard the bail petition of Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

After hearing both sides of the arguments, the court has reserved its verdict. Jagan was represented by two advocates—Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi. Arguing on behalf of Jagan, his lawyer Mukul said that being a party president there's no way his client can run away. He also questioned how Jagan could be kept in jail for nearly an year.

"Jagan did not apply for an anticipatory bail. He only applied for bail after being jailed. We request the court to at least grant an interim bail," Jagan's counsel argued.
The supreme court judge is believed to have asked the CBI the reason for keeping Jagan in jail for so long. The court also asked the investigating agency to state the reasons why Jagan's custody was required any longer.

Jagan's lawyer also stated that the CBI which did not seek the YSRCP president's custody in High Court is now asking for his custody at the supreme court. The judge in turn questioned the CBI on why Jagan was required for further probe. "What's the role of Jagan in your probe?" the judge asked.

The CBI is believed to have pleaded the court not to approve Jagan's bail plea. Jagan's senior lawyer Harish Salve countered this by saying the CBI was misleading the court in Jagan's case. He also added that the CBI's concerns had changed from the time the case was in High Court and now when it came up for hearing before the Apex Court.

In other cases, the CBI would have wound up the case in 99 days and also released the person. But in Jagan's case, they have failed to make a chargesheet even after a year, said Jagan's lawyer. He also added that it is likely that the delay is because elections are not too far away and Jagan is a popular political figure.

As always, the CBI again sought some more time to finish the probe, saying they needed at least 4-6 months more to finish investigating. The CBI also said that their representatives have been sent to various countries to gather information on investments.

-Siva@Sakshipost