The Supreme Court of India has granted an extension to the police custody of a former senior police officer from Telangana, who is under investigation in a high-profile illegal phone tapping case. The custody of T Prabhakar Rao, the former head of the Telangana police intelligence bureau, has been extended until December 25, 2025.
Court Order and Conditions for Release
A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan delivered the order on Friday, December 20, 2025. The court accepted the state government's plea for more time to complete the interrogation process. In its directive, the bench clearly stated that "on 26.12.2025 the petitioner shall be released from custody."
The court provided specific safeguards for Rao following his release. It ordered that since the matter remains pending before the Supreme Court, no coercive actions should be taken against him from December 26 onwards until the next scheduled hearing. Rao has also been instructed by the court to fully cooperate with any further investigation if he is summoned by the authorities.
Background of the Surveillance Scandal
This case is rooted in the period immediately preceding the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections. The allegations are serious and extensive, claiming that the phones of at least 600 individuals were illegally intercepted. The scale of the alleged surveillance has made it one of the most significant political and legal controversies in the state's recent history.
During the court proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, presented a status report on the interrogation. He strongly countered any attempts to politicize the investigation. "Somehow... they have been able to create an impression that this matter is political," Mehta argued. He posed a rhetorical question to emphasize the point: "Suppose a political executive tells me to shoot someone... Can I say, I did it only because I was instructed to?"
Key Arguments and Investigation Focus
The Solicitor General also outlined a key defense put forward by Rao. According to Mehta, Rao's argument is that his actions were part of his official duties monitoring left-wing extremism. Rao allegedly claimed he was tracking individuals perceived to be Leftists, suggesting the surveillance was for security purposes rather than political espionage.
The Supreme Court's decision to extend custody indicates that investigators require more time to verify these claims and unravel the complete chain of command and intent behind the massive phone tapping operation. The explicit deadline for release suggests the court is balancing the needs of a thorough investigation with the rights of the accused.
The next steps in this case will be closely watched, as it touches upon critical issues of privacy, state surveillance, and the alleged misuse of power during a crucial electoral period. The court's involvement ensures the investigation will continue under judicial scrutiny.
