Why should Jagan’s remand be extended ?

Hyderabad, Feb 15, 2013: Coming down heavily on the CBI which has been prolonging the case against YSR Congress Party chief Sri Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and denying bail to him on frivolous grounds, the CBI special court at Nampally in Hyderabad asked the investigating agency to show reasons why his remand should be extended any more.

Extending his remand till Feb 27, the court on Thursday directed the CBI to file a memo by that date explaining the status of investigation into the case and the reasons why the remand of Sri Jagan Mohan Reddy and others should be extended further.

Asking the CBI to file such memos every 14 days henceforth, the CBI judge U. Durga Prasada Rao pointed out that it was necessary for the investigating agency to inform the progress of the case despite the Supreme Court not imposing a deadline for completing the probe.

Firmly telling the CBI that he will proceed with recording of the charges in the case beginning Feb 27, the judge told the CBI counsel to produce Sri Jagan Mohan Reddy before him on that date.

“You should make it clear on that date whether you are ready or not to commence recording of the charges against Sri Jagan Mohan Reddy and others in the case,” the judge directed CBI counsel.

Disclosing that the CBI counsel has assured the Supreme Court last September that the charge sheet would be filed as soon as possible in the case, counsel for Sri Jagan Mohan Reddy objected to the stance of the CBI.

“Keeping the accused unnecessarily in the jail is in contravention of the Article 21 of the Constitution, according to Supreme Court. Does the CBI mean 6 months when it says as soon as possible?” asked Ashok Reddy, counsel for Sri Jagan Mohan Reddy, quoting the apex court’s judgment in AR Antualy Vs RS Naik case.

Concurring with the argument, the CBI court directed the CBI counsel to file the memos at periodic intervals in the case.