How should the Central Bureau of Investigation refer to YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy while dealing with his case in the court?
In its counter-petition filed in the special court last week, the CBI projected Jagan as if he is a hardcore criminal and had the capacity to influence witnesses using his muscle, money and political powers, if he was given exemption from personal appearance in the court.
Jagan’s counsel on Friday lodged a strong protest in the court against the harsh language used by the CBI against him.
“He is the head of the state and is in a respectable position. He should be referred to as Hon’ble Chief Minister and given due respect, instead of being called just Jagan,” the counsel argued.
Stating that the CBI had presented ‘imaginary contents,’ Jagan’s legal counsel asked the CBI to show a single evidence to prove that Jagan had influenced the witnesses in the last four months of coming to power.
He said Jagan was seeking exemption from personal appearance only because he had Constitutional obligation to discharge his duties as the CM.
“The exemption is sought only in the interest of the larger interest of people of Andhra Pradesh but not because it is inconvenient for Jagan”, the counsel mentioned.
The CBI, however, said Jagan continued to be an accused in the court and there were no changes in the conditions of the case, except in his position. The CBI appealed to the court not to spare Jagan from personal appearance.
The CBI special court reserved its judgement and might pronounce its decision on November 1 on whether or not to exempt Jagan from personal appearance in the court in the disproportionate assets case on every Friday.
