Supreme Court Extends Interim Protection to Three in Andhra Pradesh Liquor Case

The bench directed the accused to seek regular bail in the trial court following the High Court’s cancellation of their default bail.

Overview

A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant continued temporary protection from arrest for three petitioners and declined to grant them bail at this stage.
The order pertains to Balaji Govindappa, Pellakuru Krishna Mohan Reddy and K Dhanunjaya Reddy, who are accused in the liquor procurement case.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court on November 19 canceled their default bail and directed them to surrender on November 26, prompting the Supreme Court challenge.
The Special Investigation Team set up by the current state government has reported about Rs 4,000 crore in alleged kickbacks during the previous administration’s 2019–2024 tenure.
Investigators say liquor manufacturers reported being compelled to pay Rs 150–200 per case monthly, which they estimate totaled roughly Rs 80 crore each month.