New Delhi | July 18, 2025
In a major development in the unfolding Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant anticipatory bail to YSR Congress Party MP P.V. Midhun Reddy, effectively paving the way for his custodial interrogation by state authorities.
The apex court’s decision comes amidst growing scrutiny of the alleged political-bureaucratic nexus in tweaking the state’s liquor policy for kickbacks.
No Protection, No Delay: SC’s Firm Stand
A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan refused to entertain Reddy’s plea, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the need for unfettered investigation. The Court also declined his request for interim protection or time to surrender.
“The nature of the allegations necessitates custodial interrogation. This Court cannot offer a shield in such circumstances,” the bench observed.
The Case So Far: Liquor, Loopholes, and Loot
Reddy is one of the key accused in the multi-crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh, where officials are alleged to have manipulated procurement and distribution policies to favour select private firms. In return, kickbacks were reportedly routed through shell companies and proxies.
Investigators claim Reddy played a central role in policy-level decisions that created monopolistic advantages for specific liquor vendors during his tenure of influence. A Look-Out Circular (LOC) was issued earlier this year after he failed to respond to summons issued by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the scam.
Why the Supreme Court Said No
• Gravity of Allegations: The Court took note of the systemic nature of corruption, the high value of transactions, and Reddy’s alleged evasiveness.
• Custodial Interrogation Needed: Authorities argued that Reddy’s custodial questioning is essential to unearth the money trail and network of actors involved.
• High Court Consistency: The Andhra Pradesh High Court had previously denied bail for similar reasons a position the Supreme Court found no reason to overturn.
What This Means Politically and Legally
• Reddy May Face Immediate Arrest: With bail denied, agencies are now free to detain and interrogate him without legal protection.
• Signal to Political Class: The ruling underscores that public office offers no immunity when serious financial crimes are in question.
• Momentum for Investigators: The SIT is now expected to push forward more aggressively, especially with financial records and digital evidence under scrutiny.
Case Title P.V. Midhun Reddy v. State of Andhra Pradesh
