Shri Vanjivaka Subramanyam vs. The State Of Telangana

Facts

The petitioner, Shri Vanjivaka Subramanyam, proprietor of M/s Laxmi Balaji Logistics, filed a criminal petition seeking modification of a condition imposed by the Special Judge for Trial of Cases under Economic Offences. The condition, passed in Crl.M.P.No.86 of 2026, required the petitioner to appear before the respondent authorities (State of Telangana and Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of GST Intelligence) on the first and third Monday of every month between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The petitioner argued that he has been cooperating with the investigation, is a businessman facing health issues, and that the investigation is largely complete. The respondent authorities opposed the petition, alleging non-cooperation and failure to produce relevant documents, and stated that relaxing the condition would prejudice the investigation.

Held

The High Court dismissed the criminal petition. The Court considered the submissions of both parties and noted that the petitioner himself had sought a period of 90 days from April 17, 2026, for the production of relevant documents. The Court also observed that the petitioner resides in Hyderabad and the condition imposed by the trial court only requires his appearance twice a month. Taking into account the overall facts and circumstances, the Court was of the considered opinion that no sufficient grounds were made out for relaxation of the condition imposed by the trial court. Therefore, the petitioner was not entitled to the relief sought. The ratio decidendi is that a petitioner seeking relaxation of bail conditions must demonstrate sufficient grounds, and the court will weigh the petitioner's convenience against the potential prejudice to the ongoing investigation. The operative direction was the dismissal of the petition.

Key Issues

1. Whether the condition imposed by the Special Judge for Trial of Cases under Economic Offences, requiring the petitioner to appear before the respondent authorities on the first and third Monday of every month, should be modified or relaxed, considering the petitioner's arguments regarding his cooperation, business commitments, health issues, and the stage of investigation? Petitioner's arguments: The petitioner contended that he has been attending before the Investigating Officer since his bail was granted, but faces difficulties. He is a businessman and suffers from health problems. He also stated that he is made to wait for extended periods during his appearances, and the material part of the investigation has already been completed. Therefore, the condition should be relaxed. Revenue/State's arguments: The learned Senior Standing Counsel for respondent No.2 opposed the petition, arguing that the petitioner is not cooperating with the investigation and has not produced relevant documents. It was further submitted that the petitioner had sought and was granted 90 days to produce documents. Relaxing the condition, it was argued, would prejudice the investigation.