People’s money, Babu’s bills

The TDP-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh is draining crores of public funds to pay senior advocate Siddharth Luthra for defending Chandrababu Naidu, TDP leaders, and Naidu’s close associates in corruption and irregularities cases, while also arguing false cases against YSRCP leaders as part of “Red Book” vendettas. Luthra, who previously represented Naidu in the Skill Development scam and the 2015 “Vote for Note” cash-for-votes scandal, has become the government’s go-to lawyer, billing Rs. 10 lakh per appearance plus 18% GST (totaling Rs. 11.8 lakh daily). Over the past 18 months, the state has disbursed approximately Rs. 8.36 crore to him through multiple Government Orders (GOs), released in September-November 2025 alone for his court appearances in Naidu’s cases and others.

Naidu’s Corruption Cases

During 2014-19, Naidu faces allegations of masterminding multiple scams totaling billions in public losses:

• Skill Development Scam: Rs. 371 crore allegedly siphoned; Naidu arrested in 2023, now on bail. CID evidence includes his signatures; Luthra argued his bail petitions in Supreme Court.
• IT Scam: Irregularities in tech contracts.
• Inner Ring Road Scam: Overpricing and kickbacks in Hyderabad infrastructure.
• Amaravati Assigned Land Scam: Misallocation of farmer lands for capital city.
• FiberNet Scam: Rs. 1,100 crore broadband project riddled with graft.
• Liquor Scam: Policy changes favoring cartels, causing massive revenue leaks.
• Vote for Note Case (2015 Cash-for-Votes Scam): Naidu accused of orchestrating bribes to sway MLC votes; audio tapes surfaced of him assuring deals. Luthra represented him in the Hyderabad High Court (2016), securing quashing of probe orders; the Supreme Court dismissed revival pleas in 2024, with Luthra arguing for Naidu.

Strong evidence, including documents with Naidu’s approvals, prompted CID FIRs under the previous regime. To evade conviction, the current government is funding Luthra’s defense via taxpayer money, issuing GOs for crores despite Naidu’s personal wealth. For the Tadepalli clash case near Naidu’s residence alone, Rs. 60 lakh has been paid to Luthra so far.

Luthra: TDP Family’s shield in Vendetta cases too

Luthra’s brief extends beyond Naidu, covering TDP insiders and retaliatory filings against YSRCP:

• GV Raghurama Raju Custodial Torture Case: Luthra represents Raju (YSRCP dissident turned TDP ally).
• TDP Office Attack Cases: Defending false charges against YSRCP leaders.
• YS Vivekananda Reddy Murder Case: Arguing for Sunitha in high-profile killing probe.
• Margdarshi Case: Representing Ramoji Rao’s media group in financial irregularities; Luthra sought transfer to Telangana HC in Supreme Court (Dec 2023), prompting notices to AP government/CID.
• Tirumala Laddu Case: Arguing for government in alleged adulteration probe.
• Illegal Liquor Cases: Appearing for SIT in vendetta filings against YSRCP’s Chevireddy Mohith Reddy and others.

These cases, often dismissed as politically motivated, are funded publicly, sparking outrage over misuse of funds amid unpaid teacher salaries and farmer dues. Critics, including opposition voices, question why a private lawyer commands such loyalty and expense, turning justice into a partisan tool.

Payment Breakdown:

The coalition government issued these GOs in late 2025 for Luthra’s fees in Naidu’s corruption cases (e.g., Skill, FiberNet, Vote for Note) and related matters: