Legal experts say that the attachment of properties is not forfeiture and Sakshi TV and newspaper can continue functioning till the conclusion of criminal proceedings in the courts. According to Nalsar University of Law professor Madabushi Sridhar, “Attachment is a temporary order to prevent destruction of property or pre-empt the possibility of securing ill-gotten money in a different name to save it from being forfeited. It does not mean permanent takeover of the property. It only restricts the complete transfer of property while allowing normal or usual transactions. Attachment is not forfeiture. However, it might develop into forfeiture if the result of criminal proceedings ends in conviction and the property is found to be from crime proceeds.”
National Investigation Agency special public prosecutor P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy said, “In this case, the court has taken cognisance of the chargesheet filed against the firms in the Jagan case. So the attachment of movable and immovable properties will continue till the disposal of criminal proceedings. The attachment does not mean Sakshi TV or the newspaper cease to function.”