Outrage echoed through the Supreme Court chambers on Friday as a bench led by CJI Suryakant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, tore into the Andhra Pradesh police’s conduct in the murder probe against YSRCP MLC Anant Uday Bhasakar. The investigation screamed of political-police complicity, they asserted.
Efforts to sneak in default bail via CrPC 167(2) were evident, only checked by the High Court’s vigilance. With Bhasakar on interim bail for two years, the court navigated the tightrope of rights to liberty and fair trial.
Labeling it ‘state police collusion or negligence’ in a brutal crime, the apex court moved decisively. It asked the Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice to entrust a veteran judge with the trial.
Clear mandates followed: settle charges before April 18, 2026; rush through witness examinations; wrap additional investigations by March 31, 2026; end trial by November 30, 2026. The presiding judge gets exclusive focus, with stays strictly off-limits.
By setting these benchmarks, the Supreme Court reaffirms its role as guardian of justice, curbing delays and external pressures in sensitive matters.