SC orders police protection to lawyer who challenged convicts’ release

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Andhra Pradesh DGP to provide protection to an advocate who had challenged the state Government’s decision...

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Andhra Pradesh DGP to provide protection to an advocate who had challenged the state Government’s decision to release 1,500 convicts in the apex court in August this year.

Advocate R Chandrashekar Reddy sought police protection contending that he was facing serious threats from some of the convicts, who felt offended by his petition in the apex court.

“The state Director General of Police shall provide necessary protection to the petitioner and his family, if needed,” directed a bench comprising Justices B N Aggrawal and G S Singhvi.

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Earlier in August, just before the release of 1,500 convicted prisoners, including those charged with heinous crimes like murder, Reddy had moved the apex court seeking it to be set aside. The court had issued notice to the state Government on the issue and the case is still pending. He had pointed out that a Government Order had been issued for releasing the convicts “as a goodwill gesture” to commemorate the “150 years of First War of Independence.” He had alleged that it was an “indiscriminate” release of several life convicts including those found guilty of serious offences like attempt to murder, adulteration and printing of counterfeit currency, among others.

The release would seriously erode public confidence on the “rule of law,” he had stated.

Those granted remission include Goru Venkat Reddy, who was sentenced to 10 years RI in a murder case. The convict is the husband of Charita Reddy, a sitting Congress MLA from Nandikotkur Assembly Constituency in Kurnool district.