In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court has refused to quash an FIR against a senior advocate accused of accepting Rs. 7 crore to bribe judges for favorable judgments. The court emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, asserting that such claims strike at the heart of judicial integrity.

The case, brought by a litigant who alleged the advocate failed to deliver promised favorable outcomes in a land dispute, also involved accusations of threats and caste-based insults.

The advocate denied all charges, arguing the complaint lacked specificity and evidence.

The court, drawing from precedent, upheld the maintainability of the criminal complaint, underscoring that allegations must be investigated thoroughly without premature dismissal.

“The allegation regarding the payment of Rs.7,00,00,000/- by Respondent No. 3 seems exaggerated and its plausibility is doubtful. While it is true that Respondent No. 3 gave no information about how he obtained Rs. 7,00,00,000/- and when it was paid to the Petitioner, the allegations still are worthy of investigation,” the court noted.

“At the stage of investigation, the proceedings cannot be scuttled and the authorities have to be given an opportunity to unearth the truth,” the court said

The court disposed of the petition with the following directions :

1. The court decided that the FIR could not be quashed while the investigation was still pending.
2. The petitioner was protected from arrest until the final report was filed.
3. The petitioner was required to cooperate with the investigation whenever needed.
4. If the petitioner fails to cooperate, the authorities are at liberty to take appropriate legal steps in accordance with law.
5. The investigating officer has to conduct the investigation strictly according to the law, including addressing the aspects mentioned in the court's discussion.

Cause Title: Vedula Venkataramana v  State of Telangana [CRLP No. 1866 OF 2024]