N Chandrababu Naidu was Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1995 to 2004 (File),
The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday morning granted Telugu Desam Party leader N Chandrababu Naidu four weeks interim bail on medical grounds. Advocates representing Mr Naidu told court he has to undergo cataract surgery. He may be released this evening, but there are restrictions on media interaction and taking part in campaign events.
The TDP leader - jailed for his role in the alleged Rs 371 crore Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam case - must also furnish a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh in addition to two similar sureties. "With a humanitarian perspective in mind, and considering petitioner's health, this court is inclined to grant temporary bail on health grounds..." the court said in its order.
Mr Naidu was also ordered to provide details of his treatment and the hospital in which he received medical care, in a sealed cover, to the Superintendent the Central Prison, on his return to jail. The choice of the medical facility will remain with the patient, the court added. The court posted the regular bail petition to November 10.
Mr Naidu has been in judicial custody in the Rajahmundry Central Jail since his arrest last month.
READ |The Rs 371-Crore Scam That Led To Chandrababu Naidu's Arrest: Explained
The ex-Chief Minister's arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department triggered political turmoil in the state and led to violent clashes between TDP supporters and the police. Party leaders condemned Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and his government for the "witch hunt".
His son, Nara Lokesh, spoke to NDTV and declared "I should call for a civil war", to both force the release of his father and expose Andhra Pradesh's "corrupt" ruling YSR Congress Party.
READ |"Should Call For Civil War": Chandrababu Naidu's Son To NDTV
Last week Mr Naidu wrote to a special court alleging security lapses in his prison, and asked for better arrangement - "commensurate with the Z-Plus category security cover" allotted to him.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, a senior member of the TDP said it will not contest the November 30 election in Telangana.
The TDP has some support in the state, which helped it win 15 seats in the 2014 election and two in the 2018 poll. However, those elected later shifted loyalty to the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi. Mr Naidu's Telangana's supporters were upset the BRS had not condemned his arrest, and that they were not allowed to hold a protest in his support in the Hitech City area.
Telangana will vote on November 30 and results will be declared on December 3.
Mr Naidu, meanwhile, has also been named - as Accused No 3 - in a second case - over allegedly illegal licensing of liquor companies by the previous government.
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