Supreme Court Calls Out Inquiry Panel Head; Justice Reddy Withdraws Amid Bias Allegations

The Supreme Court criticized Justice L Narasimha Reddy, the chairperson of a Commission of Inquiry set up to probe irregularities in the power sector during ex-Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's tenure, for making premature comments on the merits of the case. Justice Reddy withdrew from the panel under pressure, prompting the Telangana government to find a replacement.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday castigated Justice (retd) L Narasimha Reddy, the head of the one-man Commission of Inquiry into alleged power sector irregularities during the term of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, for commenting on the merits of the case in a press conference.

Under fire from the Supreme Court, Justice Reddy, former chief justice of the Patna High Court, stepped down from the panel. The bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud requested the Telangana government to appoint a new head. The withdrawal followed allegations of bias by the former chief minister.

'Justice must be seen to be done. He is heading the Commission of Inquiry and expressed his views on merits in a press conference! We are giving you (Telangana government) an opportunity to replace the judge in the Commission of Inquiry. Appoint some other judge. Because there has to be an impression that he made observations on merits,' the Chief Justice said before the lunch break.