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Can Naidu Really Take Over Sakshi?

Can Naidu Really Take Over Sakshi?

The statement made by Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu that the state government would initiate measures in a day or two to take over Sakshi media house belonging to YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy has raised many eyebrows.

It triggered a debate as to whether the Chandrababu Naidu government really has the powers to take over Sakshi daily and television channel.

Apparently, the government is contemplating to invoke the Andhra Pradesh Special Courts Act, 2015, which was passed by the state assembly in September last and got the Presidential Assent in May 2016.

As per the Act, the government can confiscate the ill-gotten assets of public servants.

“The State government will prosecute the persons involved in acquiring properties by way of corrupt practices and confiscate such ill-gotten properties for the welfare of the State,” Naidu said while introducing the bill in the Assembly. The bill envisages constitution of Special Courts for the speedy trial of such financial frauds.

The question is whether this Act is applicable to Jagan, who was never a public servant while establishing Sakshi daily and channel. Secondly, the bill also provides a facility for Jagan to continue the activity in the same premises by paying rent till the case is disposed of.

The government can only confiscate the assets but not the publication or telecast of the channel; so, Jagan can still operate the media house from some other premises.

Well, all these are subject to the court order. In any case, it amounts to political vendetta by the Naidu government!

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