Why Did the SC Direct the Return of T. Prabhakar Rao's Passport?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has intervened in the phone tapping case involving former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao, ordering the return of his passport from Telangana Police to facilitate his return to India. The court's decision raises questions about the ongoing investigation and the legal ramifications for Rao, who has been declared an absconder.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has ordered the return of Prabhakar Rao's passport.
- Rao is currently in the United States and must return within three days of receiving his passport.
- He has been declared an absconder for evading legal proceedings for over a year.
- The phone tapping allegations emerged during the previous BRS government's tenure.
- Authorities have issued a red-corner notice against Rao.
New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has mandated the Telangana Police to return the passport of the former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T. Prabhakar Rao, who is the main suspect in the phone tapping scandal, allowing him to return to India.
The apex court also instructed Prabhakar Rao, currently in the US, to submit an affidavit stating that he will return to India within three days after receiving his passport or travel document.
A bench consisting of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma issued this ruling following a petition filed by Prabhakar Rao, which challenged the Telangana High Court's decision to deny his request for anticipatory bail.
The bench has further prohibited the police from taking any coercive action against Prabhakar Rao until further notice.
During the proceedings, senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing Prabhakar Rao, explained that his client is unable to return from the United States and requires special permission to come back to India. The court was informed that he had traveled to the US prior to the registration of the First Information Report (FIR) against him.
The retired IPS officer was later declared an absconder, and his passport was revoked. His lawyer argued that Prabhakar Rao has faced harassment from the current government in Telangana and highlighted that a red-corner notice has been issued against him.
His counsel pointed out to the bench that the authorities have annulled his passport, necessitating his application for special permission to return. He requested that his passport be returned so he could participate in the investigation.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Telangana, opposed the request, contending that no relief should be granted to the petitioner. The court was also informed that the Union government is pursuing his extradition.
The bench remarked that the petitioner cannot return to India unless his passport is restored.
Recently, the Nampally criminal court in Hyderabad issued proclamation orders against Prabhakar Rao for evading legal proceedings for over a year.
The court's ruling came after it was satisfied that Prabhakar Rao was intentionally avoiding the legal process. Should he fail to appear within a month, the court may initiate asset attachment proceedings.
Prabhakar Rao was at the helm of the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) during the tenure of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
The former IPS officer has been labeled an absconder by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducting the inquiry.
The phone tapping allegations, originating from the previous BRS government, surfaced in March when Deputy Superintendent of Police Praneeth Rao was arrested following a complaint from his superior, ASP DIB D. Ramesh.
So far, six individuals have been named as accused in the case, including Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and Bhujanga Rao, along with former DCP P. Radha Kishan Rao.
Prabhakar Rao allegedly formed a team within the SIB with trusted associates, including Praneeth Rao, to surveil rival political figures, their families, dissenters within the ruling party, businessmen, journalists, and even judges.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the complexities surrounding the case of T. Prabhakar Rao. While the Supreme Court's order to return his passport may provide a pathway for his return to India, it also underscores the pressing issues of accountability and justice within our legal system. The evolving circumstances merit careful observation as the investigation unfolds.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Supreme Court's order regarding Prabhakar Rao's passport?
The Supreme Court's order allows former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao to return to India, enabling him to participate in the ongoing investigation into the phone tapping allegations against him.
Why was T. Prabhakar Rao declared an absconder?
Prabhakar Rao was declared an absconder due to his failure to appear in legal proceedings related to the phone tapping case, which prompted a proclamation order from the Nampally criminal court.
What are the allegations against Prabhakar Rao?
Prabhakar Rao is accused of orchestrating phone tapping operations against political rivals and others while serving as the chief of the SIB during the previous government.
Who opposed Prabhakar Rao's plea for passport return?
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Telangana government, opposed Rao's plea, arguing against granting him relief.
What could happen if Prabhakar Rao fails to return within a month?
Should Prabhakar Rao not return to India within a month, the court may initiate asset attachment proceedings against him.
