Supreme Court gives relief to Harish Rao in phone tapping case

The Supreme Court has granted major relief to former Telangana minister and Siddipet MLA Tanniru Harish Rao in the high-profile phone tapping case that created a political stir in the state.

The apex court dismissed a petition filed by the Telangana government seeking permission to question Harish Rao in connection with the case. With this, the court made it clear that there is no scope for further inquiry against him in the matter. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra appeared on behalf of the state government.

The case dates back to a complaint filed earlier by real estate businessman Chakradhar Goud at the Panjagutta police station, alleging that his phone was illegally tapped at the instance of Harish Rao. Based on this complaint, police registered an FIR against the former minister.

Challenging the FIR, Harish Rao approached the Telangana High Court, which quashed the case, stating that there was no sufficient evidence to proceed against him. The state government later moved the Supreme Court, questioning the High Court’s decision.

However, a bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna refused to interfere with the High Court’s ruling and dismissed the government’s petition. The Supreme Court reiterated that it found no merit in the arguments presented by the state.

The verdict is being seen as a significant development in Telangana politics, as it brings legal closure for Harish Rao in the phone tapping case.