Telangana HC Rules Criminal Proceedings Against Late Ramoji Rao Cannot Continue After Death

The Telangana High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against the late media baron Ch. Ramoji Rao, in an alleged violation of Section 45S of the RBI Act, holding that criminal liability cannot survive the death of the sole accused.

The Court noted no steps were taken to substitute him, and the State had no intent to prosecute his legal heirs, as criminal liability is personal and cannot be inherited. 

While the RBI argued that HUFs have legal status and can be prosecuted, the Court held that without substitution or allegations against family members, the complaint must abate.