New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday dismissed the plea of senior IAS officer Y Srilakshmi, who sought discharge in the multi-crore Obulapuram Mining Company case, allowing her trial to proceed. A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and N K Singh upheld the decision of the Telangana High Court, which had earlier refused to discharge her.
The top court had initially stayed the trial on August 29 last year and issued notice to the CBI regarding her plea.
Background of the Case
Srilakshmi, who served as Industries & Commerce Secretary in Andhra Pradesh between 2006 and 2009, was named in a supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI in connection with the alleged mining scam.
She initially moved the trial court seeking discharge, arguing that there were only suspicions against her and no concrete evidence warranting framing of charges. Her plea was dismissed in 2022, following which she approached the Telangana High Court.
On November 8, 2022, the Telangana High Court allowed her criminal revision and discharged her. The CBI challenged this order before the Supreme Court, which on May 7, 2023, set aside the high court’s decision and remitted the matter for a reasoned judgment.
After reconsideration, the Telangana High Court dismissed her revision petition on July 25, 2023, reviving the trial against her.
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Allegations Against Y Srilakshmi
According to the CBI, Srilakshmi abused her official position in favour of M/s Obulapuram Mining Company Private Limited, owned by businessman and former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy.
The allegations include:
- Omitting the captive mining condition in the final mining lease.
- Issuing two government notifications that allegedly benefited the company.
- Violating provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957 and Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.
- Facilitating other accused individuals in cheating the government, resulting in significant losses to the public exchequer.
Srilakshmi faces charges under Sections 120B and 409 of the IPC, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Status of Related Cases
Gali Janardhan Reddy has already been convicted in the case, and his appeal is currently pending. The trial against Srilakshmi is expected to move forward under the supervision of the court, ensuring that accountability in the multi-crore scam is maintained.
Key Takeaways
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores its commitment to ensuring that senior officials are not exempt from trial in corruption cases. While Srilakshmi’s plea was dismissed, the ongoing trial will examine her alleged role in the Obulapuram Mining Company scam and its impact on public resources.
