SC Extends Interim Relief in AP Liquor Scam Case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended interim protection from arrest to three accused in the alleged ₹3,500 crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, granting them temporary relief while directing them to pursue regular bail before the trial court.
A bench of the apex court stayed the operation of an Andhra Pradesh High Court order that had cancelled the default bail granted earlier to the accused and asked them to surrender. The top court, however, made it clear that the relief was interim in nature and did not amount to a final determination on the merits of the case.
The accused include a retired IAS officer who previously served in the Chief Minister’s Office, a former officer on special duty to the then Chief Minister, and a senior executive linked to a private cement firm. They are among those facing allegations of large-scale irregularities in liquor procurement and distribution in the state.
The case pertains to alleged manipulation of liquor policy, favouring select brands and companies, and the generation of illegal proceeds during the previous government’s tenure. Investigating agencies have claimed that the scam caused significant revenue loss to the state exchequer.
The Supreme Court has asked the accused to approach the appropriate court for regular bail, while extending protection from coercive action until further orders. The matter will continue to be heard as investigations and legal proceedings move forward.