The Telangana High Court heard arguments on Thursday regarding the second phone-tapping case involving former minister T. Harish Rao. His lawyer, Dama Seshadri Naidu, strongly opposed the State government’s request to lift the stay order on the investigation, which was issued on February 19.
Naidu argued that the government, rather than the actual complainant, Gangaboina Chakradhar Goud, was targeting Harish Rao. He stated that the investigation had turned into persecution, with the investigation officer (IO) arresting multiple individuals. He urged the court to recognize the government’s alleged vindictive approach, emphasizing that Harish Rao’s reputation was at risk.
During the hearing, Naidu told Justice Kunuru Lakshman that the government was supporting Dr. Goud, who has 11 criminal cases against him since 2006, including a rape case. He claimed that the government’s actions were unfair and requested an extension of the February 19 interim order.
On the other hand, the State government’s lawyer, Siddharth Luthra, asked for the stay order to be lifted so the investigation could continue. He accused Naidu’s legal team of withholding important facts from the court. Luthra also pointed out that three other accused individuals had already been arrested. Naidu, fearing that Harish Rao might also be arrested, requested a stay on the investigation.
Luthra further alleged that, under instructions from Harish Rao (who was then the Irrigation Minister), the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) had illegally tapped the phones of Dr. Goud and his family, violating their privacy and breaking the Telegraph Act. He argued that the SIB had no right to tap their phones, as it was a private matter, not an official task.
The lawyer representing Dr. Goud denied Naidu’s claims. The judge reviewed two criminal petitions from Harish Rao and retired DCP Radhakishan Rao, who sought to dismiss the case against them. The court postponed the hearing to March 3 and extended the interim stay order until then.
