Formula-E Race Case: HC Refuses To Quash FIR Against KTR

AG A Sudarshan Reddy said payments of Rs 46 crore in British currency were made before the deal in the Formula-E Race case, flouting rules.

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday declined to quash a petition to dismiss a case registered by ACB in the Formula E-Race against K T Rama Rao and the executive president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The High Court concluded hearing the arguments of both parties on December 31, 2024.

On the other hand, KTR is discussing with his lawyers about the verdict and it is reported that he will approach the Supreme Court.

Advocate General A Sudarshan Reddy presented arguments on behalf of ACB saying payments of Rs 46 crore in British currency were made before the deal in the Formula-E Race case, in violation of the rules for the 10th Racing Season. The investigation of the case is in the preliminary stage and all the evidence will come out after its conclusion. The court was informed that the statement of the complainant, Danakishore, had been recorded.

Replying to the court's query about the accused Arvind Kumar and BLN Reddy filing any petitions, the AG said neither any petition has been filed so far nor any arrest has been made in the case. The FIR was registered only after the Governor's permission.

Senior advocate CP Mohan Reddy, representing Danakishore, said the officials of that department will perform their duties under the supervision of the minister of municipal administration. KTR approved the list of payments on racing, violating the norms.

Senior advocate Siddharth Dave argued on behalf of KTR. He apprised the court that the sections registered by the ACB do not apply to KTR as his client did not benefit anywhere in the transfer of money and corruption was not mentioned anywhere in the FIR. The chief secretary of the municipal department and the Formula-E operations company had signed the agreement on the Formula-E car race. It is inappropriate to include KTR as an accused, who held the responsibilities of the Ministry of Municipal Administration.

Dave referred to several High Court judgments, requesting the dismissal of the FIR.