Madras High Court Sets Aside Conviction Of Former TN Minister Balakrishna Reddy In Alleged Rioting Case

Justice G Jayachandran noted that there were several lacunas in the prosecution case and the benefit had to be given to the appellant (Balakrishnan). The orders were passed on appeals preferred by Reddy and others challenging his conviction.

In January 2019, a special court had convicted Reddy to 3 year imprisonment in a 1998 arson case in connection with a protest against illicit liquor. Over 150 villagers had gathered in front of Bagalur Police Station and protested against police inaction in removing illicit arrack units in the area. The special court had convicted Reddy after noting the damage to public property, and burning of police vehicles.

Reddy, who was then serving as the Youth Development and Sports Development Minister had resigned from his post following the conviction.

While overturning his conviction, the High Court today noted that trial court had failed to note that the prosecution evidence was weak and not corroborated.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 267

Case Title: Balakrishna Reddy v State of Tamil Nadu and Others

Case No: Crl A 29 of 2019