The High Court on Monday dismissed a bail petition filed by suspended senior IAS officer Y Srilakshmi, accused number six in the Obulapuram mining lease case.
Srilakshmi’s counsel had argued that his client was eligible for bail now that the Enforcement Directorate has completed its examination of her, but the court declined to take the same view, saying completion of examination had no bearing on the matter. Further, Judge Samudrala Govindarajulu said the investigation of the Obulapuram mining case has not proceeded since Srilakshmi’s last bail plea was rejected, and the trial process too has made no progress. In such a situation, the judge ruled that Srilakshmi cannot be enlarged on bail at this juncture.
Srilakshmi was secretary of industries and commerce when the file relating to the Obulapuram mining lease was vigorously processed. She is accused of offences punishable under PC Act, 1988.