Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam: Supreme Court Exempts Ex- CM's Secretary & OSD, Director Of Balaji Cements From Surrender

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (November 26) exempted three accused in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam from surrendering in terms of the Andhra Pradesh High Court's order which cancelled the default bail granted to them.

The interim relief is granted to retired IAS officer K. Dhanunjaya Reddy (former Secretary in the CMO), Krishna Mohan Reddy (former OSD to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy), and Balaji Govindappa (director of Bharati Cements). As per the High Court's order, they were supposed to surrender on November 26 (today). The High Court, while setting aside the default bail, asked the accused to surrender before the trial court before November 26 and seek regular bail.

While issuing notice on their special leave petitions challenging the High Court's order, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi exempted the petitioners from surrender. Noting that there are several witnesses, nearly 200, the bench observed that the trial will take time.

"You have to tell us what purpose will be achieved by keeping them in custody," CJI Surya Kant asked the State. Hinting at the inclination to grant them bail, CJI Kant said that strict conditions can be imposed to address the concerns about the accused influencing the witnesses.

Senior Advocates C Aryama Sundram, Siddharth Dave and Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the petitioners.

Senior Advocate Siddarth Luthra represented the State.

BALAJI GOVINDAPPA Vs STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH | SLP(Crl) No. 18853/2025, PELLAKURU KRISHNA MOHAN REDDY v. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH |SLP(Crl) No.18836/2025 and K DHANUNJAYA REDDY v.STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH