Introduction:
In the case titled T. Prabhakar Rao v. State of Telangana (CRLP 4207/2025), the Telangana High Court, on May 2, 2025, dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) Chief T. Prabhakar Rao. The court’s decision comes amid allegations of unauthorized surveillance of politicians, journalists, and even a High Court judge during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime.
Arguments of Both Sides:
Petitioner’s Arguments:
Senior Advocate T. Niranjan Reddy, representing Rao, contended that the prosecution’s case was malicious and lacked substantive evidence. He emphasized that Rao, during his tenure, acted within the legal framework, and any interception or destruction of data was conducted under the purview of the review committee as stipulated by the Telegraph Act. Reddy argued that the prosecution failed to produce any material evidence linking Rao directly to the alleged illegal activities and that the delay in naming him in the FIR indicated an attempt to implicate him without basis.
Prosecution’s Arguments:
On the other hand, Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for the State, labeled Rao as the “mastermind” behind the illegal surveillance operations. He highlighted that Rao, after his retirement, was reappointed and continued to wield significant influence, forming a Special Operations Team (SOT) that allegedly conducted unauthorized surveillance on various individuals, including political leaders, journalists, and judiciary members. Luthra pointed out that despite non-bailable warrants issued against him, Rao remained evasive, further complicating the investigation.
Court’s Judgment:
Justice J. Sreenivas Rao, after considering the arguments, dismissed both the anticipatory bail plea and the interim protection application filed by Rao. The court emphasized the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation without any hindrance. The detailed order is awaited, but the dismissal underscores the court’s stance on ensuring accountability and the integrity of the investigative process.