Jagan Reddy must attend trial hearing: CBI court

A special Central Bureau of Investigation court on Tuesday dismissed plea of YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy seeking exemption from personal appearance during the hearings in a case of alleged quid-pro-quo investments involving his companies, in which he is the prime accused.

After hearing both sides, the court observed that, "an accused in the case of an economic offence does not deserve exemption from personal appearance during the proceedings in the case," Jagan's counsel Ashok Reddy said.

While opposing Jagan's petition, the CBI counsel argued that the criminal case against Jagan will be proceeded on a day-to-day basis and if he is exempted from attending the court, the process of the trial would be in jeopardy.

Moreover, exemption can only be granted if the charges are framed and hence if the petitioner is exempted from appearance at this juncture, there is a possibility that the

trial may get delayed, the prosecution contended.

However, the defence argued that Jagan being the president of a political party and Kadapa MP would have to tour various places frequently, as part of the 'Samaikhya Andhra Pradesh' (united AP) tour and also his 'Odarpu Yatra' (condolence tour).

Released on bail on September 24 last year, Jagan had been touring AP and various parts of the country seeking support from various political parties, against the Centre's move to create a separate Telangana state.

On September 23, the court had granted him conditional bail and directed that he should present himself before the court during the proceedings in the case.

The case relates to alleged investments made by various companies to the tune of several crores in Jaganmohan Reddy's firms as a "quid pro quo" for various favours bestowed on them during the tenure of his father Y S Rajasekhara Reddy who was Andhra Pradesh chief minister between 2004 and 2009.