The Supreme Court is set to deliberate on the appeal filed by the Andhra Pradesh government concerning a high court's decision to grant regular bail to TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development corporation scam case. The hearing, originally scheduled for January 19th, was recently postponed after a plea from Naidu's legal representative, senior advocate Harish Salve.

The apex court had earlier sought a response from N Chandrababu Naidu on November 28th, marking a pivotal point in the ongoing legal saga. Notably, the Supreme Court had temporarily eased bail conditions for the 73-year-old leader, allowing his participation in public rallies and meetings until December 8, the next slated hearing date. However, certain restrictions, such as refraining from making public statements or engaging with the media regarding the case, were upheld.

The legal tussle traces back to November 20, when the Andhra Pradesh High Court converted N Chandrababu Naidu's initial four-week interim medical bail into absolute bail. This decision, influenced by factors like Naidu's age, health conditions, and the absence of flight risk, drew attention to the nuanced considerations in granting bail. The interim bail conditions, including restrictions on public comments and event participation, were slated to be relaxed from November 29 onwards.

The state government, dissatisfied with the high court verdict, approached the Supreme Court seeking a reversal of the decision. Their argument revolves around N Chandrababu Naidu's perceived influence and alleged involvement in facilitating the escape of key associates, including a government servant, who reportedly fled the country.

N Chandrababu Naidu, who recently underwent cataract surgery in Hyderabad's L V Prasad Hospital, was arrested on September 9. Initially granted interim medical bail on October 31, the status was later converted to regular bail. The charges against him involve the misappropriation of funds from the Skill Development Corporation, allegedly causing a loss exceeding Rs 300 crore to the state exchequer.

The legal saga took another turn on October 17 when the Supreme Court rejected N Chandrababu Naidu's request for interim bail. The court pledged to announce its decision on his plea challenging the high court's order that refused to quash the FIR against him in the skill development corporation scam case. As the legal battle unfolds, the nation watches closely to see how the Supreme Court will adjudicate this intricate and high-profile case.