Justice Narasimha Reddy Resigns Amid Controversy Over Telangana Power Deals Inquiry
The Telangana High Court recently dismissed a petition by K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), challenging an inquiry into power procurement deals during his tenure. Justice (Retired) L. Narasimha Reddy, appointed to head the Commission of Inquiry into these deals, stepped down following remarks from the Supreme Court.
New Appointment for Power Procurement Inquiry
The Telangana government informed the Supreme Court of its decision to appoint a new retired judge to lead the Commission of Inquiry. This commission was established to investigate alleged irregularities in power procurement from Chhattisgarh by the former Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government led by KCR.
Justice Narasimha Reddy Steps Down
Justice (Retired) Narasimha Reddy announced his resignation to the Supreme Court, citing concerns over perceived prejudgment of the issue. This decision followed the Supreme Court’s oral disapproval of Justice Reddy’s public statements, which raised doubts about his impartiality. Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the state government, requested time to seek further instructions. Subsequently, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing Justice Reddy, confirmed the resignation.
Supreme Court’s Observations
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, presided over the case. The court acknowledged Justice Reddy’s resignation and disposed of KCR’s petition challenging the commission’s formation. The petition arose after the Telangana High Court dismissed KCR’s challenge to the commission’s notification issued by the new Congress-led government in March.
Concerns Over Procedural Fairness
During the hearing, Chief Justice Chandrachud expressed concerns about the fairness of the inquiry, emphasizing the importance of procedural fairness and visible justice. The court highlighted that Justice Reddy’s public comments on the inquiry’s merits compromised the perceived impartiality necessary for such a role. The Chief Justice stressed that replacing the judge was essential to maintain the inquiry’s integrity.
KCR’s Legal Battle
KCR’s legal team argued that the case against him was politically motivated. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing KCR, described the inquiry as a “political vendetta,” stating that every change in government led to investigations against former chief ministers.
Implications for the Inquiry
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the delicate balance between judicial impartiality and public perception. The replacement of Justice Reddy aims to restore confidence in the Commission of Inquiry’s integrity. The new appointment is expected to ensure that the inquiry proceeds without bias, adhering to the principles of fairness and justice.
Political Ramifications
This development has significant political implications, reflecting the ongoing power struggle in Telangana’s political landscape. The inquiry into power procurement deals during KCR’s administration is a critical issue, with potential repercussions for future governance and political alignments.
Conclusion
Justice Narasimha Reddy’s resignation and the Supreme Court’s directives highlight the complexities of maintaining judicial impartiality in politically sensitive inquiries. The new Commission of Inquiry will play a pivotal role in addressing the alleged irregularities in Telangana’s power procurement, ensuring that justice is both done and seen to be done.
