Harish Rao objects to Sajjanar’s “illegal” remark in phone-tapping case

BRS leader T. Harish Rao objected to SIT chief V.C. Sajjanar describing the alleged phone-tapping case as “illegal,” saying such a characterisation before judicial determination was unconstitutional and could create apprehensions of bias in a politically sensitive investigation.

Hyderabad: BRS Legislature Party deputy leader T Harish Rao strongly objected to Hyderabad police commission and SIT chief VC Sajjanar’s remarks describing the alleged phone-tapping case as “illegal.” He argued that such a characterisation is legally unsustainable before judicial determination.

“Investigating agencies function independently, professionally, and strictly within the bounds of law,” he demanded, in response to Sajjanar’s post on X stating that the SIT had concluded questioning of “Gajwel MLA and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in the illegal phone-tapping case”.

---

In a strongly worded statement, Harish Rao said it was deeply disturbing that the head of an investigating agency would publicly use language that presumes the outcome of an ongoing probe. He stressed that in a constitutional democracy, until a competent court records a finding, no allegation can be treated as an offence.

“Any deviation or violation can be determined only through judicial scrutiny, not through official police communications. The police are entrusted only with the task of investigation. They are neither judges nor adjudicators,” he said, citing Article 21 of the Constitution and the principle of presumption of innocence.

The BRSLP deputy leader pointed out that the legality of any phone interception would depend on strict compliance with Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, and safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in the PUCL vs Union of India judgment.

By referring to the issue as “illegal phone tapping” at the investigation stage, Harish Rao opined that the SIT chief had displayed a preconceived notion about the case. He argued that such conduct was unbecoming of the office held by SIT chief and was contrary to the standards of neutrality and restraint mandated under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which require absolute impartiality and integrity from senior officers.

Calling the matter politically sensitive as it involves a former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition, Harish Rao said premature conclusions by investigators could create a reasonable apprehension of biased investigation and political motifivation. He cited Supreme Court observations that investigations must not only be fair but must also appear to be fair to retain public confidence.

He warned that official police communications should not be used to advance political narratives or influence public opinion. He cautioned that the SIT chief adopting language that assumes guilt even before trial, weakens democratic institutions and erodes faith in law. “Judgments must be delivered by courts, not through police messages,” he said.

Harish Rao also questioned why the SIT chief was not referring to K Chandrashekhar Rao by his official designation as Leader of the Opposition.