Top Senior Advocate Challenges Criminal Charges of Bribing Judges, Moves Supreme Court for Relief
(Judicial Quest News Network)
A senior advocate, Vedula Venkataraman, has approached the Supreme Court seeking relief against criminal charges involving allegations of accepting ₹7 crore from a client in exchange for influencing High Court judges. The client claims Venkataraman promised to use the money to secure favorable judicial orders but later refused to return it when demanded.
The Telangana High Court had earlier dismissed Venkataraman’s plea to quash the FIR, ruling that the serious nature of the allegations warranted a thorough investigation. The High Court also noted that such allegations of bribing judges raised grave concerns about judicial independence.
The charges against the senior advocate include criminal breach of trust, cheating, intimidation, and violations under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Venkataraman, in his appeal to the Supreme Court, argues that the FIR lacks prima facie evidence and is based on vague and generalized accusations.
Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Mercy issued a notice to the Telangana government, directing them to respond to the petition. Venkataraman’s lawyers have argued that no preliminary inquiry was conducted before the FIR was filed and that no charges have been framed against him. They further contend that the allegations against him are exaggerated, and the High Court’s refusal to quash the case violates established legal principles.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its serious implications on judicial integrity and the role of senior advocates in the legal system.
