The Andhra Pradesh High Court gave a tough reception to a PIL filed by Delhi-based advocate Mahek Maheshwari seeking a CBI-led SIT probe into alleged large-scale resource misuse under former CM Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The bench questioned the necessity of a new SIT when the state had already constituted one. “Why involve central agencies if a probe is underway?” the court asked, citing the Supreme Court’s guidance to avoid routine CBI probes unless in rare, compelling cases.
Maheshwari argued that state agencies lacked the strength to investigate a scam of this scale, possibly running into thousands of crores. She claimed the scam could have interstate or even international links. The court wasn’t convinced, asking, “Where’s the evidence? What’s your personal connection to this case?”
The judges expressed concern about the intent behind the petition, reminding that PILs filed for publicity or political gain don’t hold water. “You’re a busy lawyer from Delhi, what brings you to a state issue with no direct link?”
Maheshwari referenced the ongoing liquor scam, arguing no charges had been filed against key figures so far. However, the state’s legal representative countered, stating that a SIT had already been formed and requesting time to submit the details.
The court, led by Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Cheemalapati Ravi, adjourned the matter to February 11, 2026, emphasising that claims must be supported by facts, not just headlines.
