In a landmark judgment dated May 12, 2025, the Andhra Pradesh High Court exonerated A.B. Venkateswara Rao, the former Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence), from corruption charges related to the procurement of advanced surveillance equipment. The court held that Rao's actions were part of his official responsibilities to enhance the state's surveillance capabilities, thereby quashing the charges that accused him of misusing his office for personal gain.
The case centered on allegations that Rao had abused his position by facilitating the procurement of Aerostat and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveillance equipment through the State Trading Corporation of India (STC). The prosecution claimed that he deliberately deviated from prescribed procedures to benefit a third party, Akasam Advanced Systems Limited, allegedly managed by his son. It was further alleged that Rao had deposited ₹35 lakh into the company, raising suspicions of financial impropriety.
However, the High Court, presided over by Justice Harinath N, found that the procurement process was initiated to meet the evolving needs of the state's intelligence apparatus. The court emphasized that maintaining law and order significantly depends on the intelligence department's inputs, which play a crucial role in crime prevention, national security, and counter-terrorism efforts. As the head of the intelligence department, Rao had a "bounden duty" to adopt changing technologies and upgrade the surveillance systems to address contemporary security challenges.
Justice Harinath N noted that the intelligence department's role is pivotal in ensuring public safety and that Rao's initiative to procure advanced surveillance equipment was in line with his official duties. The court observed that the decision to source equipment from a supplier whose products met the state's requirements did not constitute misuse of office, especially when the intent was to bolster the state's security infrastructure.
The judgment also highlighted the absence of concrete evidence linking Rao's actions to personal enrichment or deliberate wrongdoing. The court found that the allegations lacked substantive proof of criminal intent or financial misconduct. It underscored the importance of distinguishing between administrative decisions made in the public interest and actions taken for personal gain.
This ruling is significant as it underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding officials from unwarranted prosecution when their actions align with their official responsibilities. It also serves as a precedent for evaluating similar cases where public servants are accused of misconduct in the execution of their duties.
The High Court's decision brings to a close a protracted legal battle that began with Rao's suspension in February 2020. The Andhra Pradesh government had suspended him for alleged irregularities in the procurement process, leading to a series of legal challenges. In April 2022, the Supreme Court revoked his suspension, stating that it could not extend beyond two years as per the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2015.
The quashing of charges against Rao by the High Court reaffirms the principle that public officials should not be penalized for making decisions aimed at enhancing the state's capabilities, provided there is no evidence of personal gain or malfeasance. It also highlights the need for clear guidelines and transparency in procurement processes to prevent similar controversies in the future.
In conclusion, the Andhra Pradesh High Court's ruling exonerating A.B. Venkateswara Rao reflects a nuanced understanding of the responsibilities of public officials and the complexities involved in administrative decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of intent and adherence to duty in assessing allegations of misconduct, thereby reinforcing the integrity of public service.
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