Centre Directed to Issue Travel Documents; Court Dismisses Objections Over ‘Proclaimed Offender’ Status
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Central Government to facilitate the return of T Prabhakar Rao—former Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau Chief and 1991-batch IPS officer—who is currently in the United States and under investigation in a high-profile phone tapping case.
The apex court also granted interim protection from arrest or detention to Rao, who had earlier been declared a proclaimed offender. This came despite strong objections from both the Central and Telangana governments.
Centre and State Opposed Rao’s Terms of Return
A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma heard the plea filed by Rao, who has expressed his willingness to return to India voluntarily to participate in the investigation.
The Union and State governments argued that permitting a proclaimed offender to set the terms of his return could create a negative legal precedent. They maintained that such individuals should be brought back through the formal legal process, not at their convenience.
However, the court emphasized the need to uphold the individual’s legal rights and facilitate cooperation with investigative agencies, rather than create procedural obstacles.
Court Directs Issuance of Travel Documents, Grants Protection
“Pending consideration of this Special Leave Petition, we direct the petitioner to appear before the concerned Investigating Authority/Officer,” the court ordered.
The Supreme Court instructed the Chief Passport Officer and other relevant authorities to issue Rao the necessary passport or travel documents strictly for travel to India. Upon issuance, Rao must appear before the investigating agency within three days.
To ensure due process, the court also barred any coercive action against him until the next hearing, thereby providing him interim legal protection.
Status Report and Undertaking Required
The court further directed the investigating officer to file a status report on the progress of the case before the next hearing. Rao is also required to submit an affidavit of undertaking within one week, committing to his return and appearance before the authorities within the stipulated timeframe.
Case Background
T Prabhakar Rao is under investigation for his alleged role in illegal phone tapping during his tenure as Telangana’s intelligence chief. Reports suggest that the surveillance targeted political rivals and other individuals, raising serious concerns of power misuse. He reportedly left the country while the investigation was underway and was subsequently declared a proclaimed offender.
What’s Next
The matter is scheduled for further hearing in the coming weeks, during which the court will review compliance with its directives and assess the current status of the investigation.
