The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed an application made by former Karnataka Minister Gali Janardhana Reddy to allow him to "enter, stay and function" in the districts of Bellary in Karnataka and Ananthapuramu and Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh.
Mr. Reddy, an accused in an illegal mining case, had sought a modification of a condition imposed on him by the apex court while granting him bail in 2015. At the time, the apex court had ordered him not to "visit" Bellary, Ananthapuramu and Kadapa.
In a judgment, a Bench led by Justice M.R. Shah reasoned that Mr. Reddy was facing trial "for very serious offences". The case against him was investigated by the CBI. Most of the witnesses were from the three districts. The court took into consideration the CBI's apprehension that if Mr. Reddy was allowed to "enter, stay and function" in these districts, it may lead to tampering with or influencing of witnesses.
The court noted that the case itself has been pending for 11 years. Trial has not begun. Case records show that the accused have been applying for discharge and thus delaying the trial.
"It is always in the larger interest that the trial is concluded at the earliest. Early conclusion of the trial would enhance the faith of people in justice delivery system. The trial must come to its logical end at the earliest," Justice Shah wrote.
Any attempt by the accused to delay the trial should be dealt with iron hands, the court ordered.
Day-to-day trial
The Supreme Court ordered the Special Judge to start the trial on November 9 and hold it on a day-to-day basis. The trial should be concluded within six months.
Any effort to delay the trial by the accused would be viewed seriously.
Meanwhile, the apex court allowed Mr. Reddy to stay in Bellary till November 6 to be with his new grandchild. He has to leave on November 7 and remain out of Bellary, Ananthapuramu and Kadapa till the trial is over.
