Supreme Court Revives Corruption Cases in Andhra Pradesh, Slams 'Technical' High Court Ruling

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The Supreme Court has dealt a significant blow to corruption in Andhra Pradesh by reviving several high-profile cases that were previously dismissed by the state's high court. In a stinging rebuke, the top court described the high court's ruling as 'nothing but a travesty of justice'. The Supreme Court bench, comprising justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma, set aside the high court's decision to quash FIRs registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The high court had held that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Vijayawada lacked jurisdiction to register FIRs, citing a technicality about a notification issued by the state government. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, stating that the high court's approach was overly technical and failed to consider the practical realities of the situation. The court pointed out that the ACB had been designated as a police station in 2003, and subsequent government orders had clarified its status. The Supreme Court's decision has far-reaching implications for the state's anti-corruption efforts. While it has revived several cases, it has also left open the possibility for the accused to challenge chargesheets where investigations are complete. The court's judgment is a significant victory for the state's anti-corruption agency, which had been working to investigate several high-profile cases. It is also a testament to the Supreme Court's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is not denied due to technicalities.