Blow to Jagan's 'padayatra' plan as CBI court strikes down plea

The CBI Special Court here on Monday struck down a petition moved by YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Jagan had sought exemption from appearing before the court as he wanted to participate in a 'padayatra' from November 2.

Jagan’s counsel pleaded that his client should be exempted from personal appearance in court every Friday for over six months for the proposed 3,000 km padayatra in Andhra Pradesh.

However, the counsels appearing for the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate opposed the petition saying that the absence of the main accused for six months could seriously hamper legal proceedings.

The court agreed with the investigation agencies and opined that any accused can seek absence on unavoidable occasions but cannot allow anyone from attending the court for six months. This is not the first time that the court has refused to allow Jagan to abstain from attending court.

In August, the high court had struck down his petition seeking exemption from appearing before the court.

Jagan, son of late chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, is the Leader of the Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and is facing 11 charge sheets in relation with ill-gotten wealth during the term of his reign.

Following the court order, the YSRC Legislative Party meeting scheduled for Monday was cancelled.

The party seniors are now redrawing the padayatra map with provisions for their leader to return to Hyderabad every Friday and then continue the Padayatra.

A source in the party said that they will contest the CBI court’s decision in the high court.