HC quashes proceedings against Parigi MLA

Justice K. Lakshman of Telangana High Court on Tuesday quashed the proceedings in a criminal case registered against Parigi MLA T. Ram Mohan Reddy of Congress in 2019 during Lok Sabha elections campaign.

The case was pending for trial before the Special Judicial Magistrate of First Class for Trial of Excises Cases at Nampally. The case was registered on March 12, 2019 after Mr. Reddy and other political leaders staged a demonstration at an open ground before Vikarabad Revenue Division Office.

Based on the complaint of an election flying squad officer in-charge, the Vikarabad Inspector registered a case under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. A charge-sheet was also filed in a local court at Vikarabad. The case was eventually transferred to the court in Hyderabad.

Justice K. Lakshman observed in his order that the investigating officer did not adhere to the procedure under Section 155 of the Criminal Procedure Code in the case. Investigation was not conducted against other accused in the case, the order said.

Names of Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy of BJP and Tandur MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy of BRS also figure in the case.

The Speaker secured relief in the matter having filed a petition in the HC. Other public representatives too filed pleas in the HC which are pending for adjudication.