By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec. 30: The AP High Court on Wednesday made it clear that violence is not the way to achieve a demand in democracy.
While dealing with anticipatory bail petitions filed by Mr K. Raju and others, Justice B. Chandrakumar observed that “in a democratic country, every person has the right to agitate for a legitimate right and organise meetings, hunger strikes and even demonstrations in a peaceful manner. No one has the right to destroy public and private property to push for their demand.”
Considering the agitation for separate Telangana and united Andhra Pradesh, the judge said freedom of expression is a fundamental right but it should be used in a legitimate manner.
He said problems can be solved through discussions and not by threatening others.
Mr K. Raju and 11 others were arrested by the police at Veerlapadu in Krishna district recently while they were agitating for united Andhra Pradesh. The police registered cases under Sections 147, 148, 188, 307, 324, 332 , 353 and 427 of IPC against them.
The judge, while granting anticipatory bail to 11 persons, directed them to surrender before the police within 15 days. He directed the police to grant bail in case of their surrender by obtaining Rs 3,000 as a surety for each. The judge rejected the bail application of Mr Raju.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Compensation for mishap victims based on future earnings
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec. 26: In a significant judgement deciding compensation for a road accident victim, the Andhra Pradesh High Court evolved a rational and scientific method by which the victims, two final year students of software engineering, were awarded an amount based on their potential earnings.
In arriving at the compensation, the bench took into consideration the pay pack they would have got at the entry level as well as over a time period by calculating the pay based on that of their surviving companions.
A division bench comprising Justice A. Gopala Reddy and Justice B. Chandra Kumar while allowing two civil miscellaneous appeals filed by the parents of two engineering students awarded a sum of Rs 10,80,000 to the claimants. The money has to be paid by insurance firms.
The court said the claimants are also entitled to Rs 5,000 as funeral expenses and Rs 5,000 towards loss of estate.
G. Prashanth Reddy and B. Ravi Kumar of Mahbubnagar district were killed in road accidents while they were going along with 14 of their friends on eight motorcycles in 1995 at Tumkur in Karnataka.
The Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal at Mahbubnagar considering that both the deceased were only students, fixed the notional income of each deceased at Rs 5,000 per month awarded the compensation of Rs 3,90,000 to each claimant.
The court considered that the minimum wage of an engineer at the entry level is Rs 12,000 and awarded the compensation.
Hyderabad, Dec. 26: In a significant judgement deciding compensation for a road accident victim, the Andhra Pradesh High Court evolved a rational and scientific method by which the victims, two final year students of software engineering, were awarded an amount based on their potential earnings.
In arriving at the compensation, the bench took into consideration the pay pack they would have got at the entry level as well as over a time period by calculating the pay based on that of their surviving companions.
A division bench comprising Justice A. Gopala Reddy and Justice B. Chandra Kumar while allowing two civil miscellaneous appeals filed by the parents of two engineering students awarded a sum of Rs 10,80,000 to the claimants. The money has to be paid by insurance firms.
The court said the claimants are also entitled to Rs 5,000 as funeral expenses and Rs 5,000 towards loss of estate.
G. Prashanth Reddy and B. Ravi Kumar of Mahbubnagar district were killed in road accidents while they were going along with 14 of their friends on eight motorcycles in 1995 at Tumkur in Karnataka.
The Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal at Mahbubnagar considering that both the deceased were only students, fixed the notional income of each deceased at Rs 5,000 per month awarded the compensation of Rs 3,90,000 to each claimant.
The court considered that the minimum wage of an engineer at the entry level is Rs 12,000 and awarded the compensation.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
AP High Court will hear a plea against CJ’s recommendations of judges
Hyderabad, Dec. 22: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday decided to hear a petition filed against the recommendation the Chief Justice to elevate four advocates of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Bar for the post of judges.
Mr Vasireddy Prabhunath, a practising advocate of the High Court, filed the writ contesting that the action of the CJ was illegal. The petitioner contended that the CJ had failed to take into account several eligible legal professionals like him and hence he was aggrieved.
The High Court registry raised certain objections on whether such a petition can be entertained by the High Court when the CJ was made a respondent.
Overruling the objections raised by the registry, a division bench comprising Justice V.V.S. Rao and Justice N.B. Narayana Rao while deciding to hear the petition directed the registry to number the petition.
The bench observed that the objections raised by the registry cannot be sustained in view of four judgements rendered by the Supreme Court in similar cases on an earlier occasion.
Earlier, the petition came up before another division bench but the petitioner objected that the bench cannot hear the petition as one of the advocates whose name was empanelled for the judge is close to a judge who is a member in the bench. The bench referred the case to the CJ with a request to post the petition before another bench. The petitioner levelled charges of favouritism against the CJ in recommending the names of certain advocates to be made judges of the High Court. The CJ had recently sent four names of advocates to New Delhi to be made judges. The bench posted the matter to January third week for admission and regular hearing.
Mr Vasireddy Prabhunath, a practising advocate of the High Court, filed the writ contesting that the action of the CJ was illegal. The petitioner contended that the CJ had failed to take into account several eligible legal professionals like him and hence he was aggrieved.
The High Court registry raised certain objections on whether such a petition can be entertained by the High Court when the CJ was made a respondent.
Overruling the objections raised by the registry, a division bench comprising Justice V.V.S. Rao and Justice N.B. Narayana Rao while deciding to hear the petition directed the registry to number the petition.
The bench observed that the objections raised by the registry cannot be sustained in view of four judgements rendered by the Supreme Court in similar cases on an earlier occasion.
Earlier, the petition came up before another division bench but the petitioner objected that the bench cannot hear the petition as one of the advocates whose name was empanelled for the judge is close to a judge who is a member in the bench. The bench referred the case to the CJ with a request to post the petition before another bench. The petitioner levelled charges of favouritism against the CJ in recommending the names of certain advocates to be made judges of the High Court. The CJ had recently sent four names of advocates to New Delhi to be made judges. The bench posted the matter to January third week for admission and regular hearing.
Friday, December 18, 2009
AP High Court seeks policy of state for deputation of All India Officers
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Dec. 17: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the state government to place before the court the policy adopted to take deputation of All India Service Officers working in other states into the state service.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy was hearing a petition filed by an advocate Mr K, Muralikrishna who questioned the policy of deputations being pursued both by the Centre and the state governments.
The judges wondered as to how the state government had allowed Mr Brahmananda Reddy who is an IRTS officer to occupy the position of managing director of AP Aviation Corporation.
The judges referring to the chopper crash that killed Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, said: “It is this careless attitude that cost the state dearly and killed an important leader. Had there been an aviation expert in place of Brahmanada Reddy at the relevant time, this mishap would not have taken place.” The petitioner questioned the deputations of Mr K. Brahmananda Reddy, an IRTS officer, Ms K. Ratnaprabha, a Karnataka cadre IAS officer currently working in Andhra Pradesh as the principal secretary of the transport department, Mr M.G.V.K. Bhanu, an Assam cadre IAS officer who till recently worked in the Chief Minister’s Office and Mr A.V. Dharma Reddy, an IDES officer who is currently working with TTD and several others.
The government pleader while making his submission regarding the inter cadre deputation of Ms K. Ratnaprabha, told the court that though the Centre had rejected her application for an extension of deputation, she is continuing on the basis of an order of a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Mr S.R. Sunku, counsel for the petitioner told the court that the state is acting in an erratic manner while dealing with the deputations and allowing unconnected persons in important positions.
The judges said: “Place before us the policy you have in this regard. You can consider the requests of the officers if their purpose is to keep them closer to their wives and children. But the departments should not suffer.”
The government pleader told the court that as such there was no policy for the deputations. He said that he will explain their policy regarding IRTS and other Central services.
He submitted that regarding IAS and IPS cases, it is the Centre which has to explain its policy on inter cadre deputations. The bench asked all the concerned to file their affidavits in this matter within four weeks.
Hyderabad,Dec. 17: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the state government to place before the court the policy adopted to take deputation of All India Service Officers working in other states into the state service.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy was hearing a petition filed by an advocate Mr K, Muralikrishna who questioned the policy of deputations being pursued both by the Centre and the state governments.
The judges wondered as to how the state government had allowed Mr Brahmananda Reddy who is an IRTS officer to occupy the position of managing director of AP Aviation Corporation.
The judges referring to the chopper crash that killed Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, said: “It is this careless attitude that cost the state dearly and killed an important leader. Had there been an aviation expert in place of Brahmanada Reddy at the relevant time, this mishap would not have taken place.” The petitioner questioned the deputations of Mr K. Brahmananda Reddy, an IRTS officer, Ms K. Ratnaprabha, a Karnataka cadre IAS officer currently working in Andhra Pradesh as the principal secretary of the transport department, Mr M.G.V.K. Bhanu, an Assam cadre IAS officer who till recently worked in the Chief Minister’s Office and Mr A.V. Dharma Reddy, an IDES officer who is currently working with TTD and several others.
The government pleader while making his submission regarding the inter cadre deputation of Ms K. Ratnaprabha, told the court that though the Centre had rejected her application for an extension of deputation, she is continuing on the basis of an order of a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Mr S.R. Sunku, counsel for the petitioner told the court that the state is acting in an erratic manner while dealing with the deputations and allowing unconnected persons in important positions.
The judges said: “Place before us the policy you have in this regard. You can consider the requests of the officers if their purpose is to keep them closer to their wives and children. But the departments should not suffer.”
The government pleader told the court that as such there was no policy for the deputations. He said that he will explain their policy regarding IRTS and other Central services.
He submitted that regarding IAS and IPS cases, it is the Centre which has to explain its policy on inter cadre deputations. The bench asked all the concerned to file their affidavits in this matter within four weeks.
AP High Court says land grant to Congress is illegal
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec. 17: The AP High Court on Friday struck down an order issued by the state government directing the AP Housing Board to alienate land to the AP Congress Committee to construct its party office at Bhimraobada besides Gandhibhavan in Hyderabad.
A division bench comprising the Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and the Justice Ramesh Ranganathan declared the direction of the government as illegal. The bench set side the GO and the subsequent sale deed.
The government had issued GO Ms No 76 on November 25, 2005, directing the AP Housing Board to alienate the land in favour of the Indian National Congress. Subsequently, the sale deed was executed. An NGO, Campaign for Housing and Tenural Rights (CHATRI), through its org-aniser, Mr Jeevan Kumar, filed a public interest litigation challenging the action of the state government.
The petitioner contended that the GO was in violation of the AP Housing Board Act.
He said that the board was formed for the purpose of providing housing acco-mmodation. He argued that area, which was notified as a slum and meant for housing scheme, could not be alienated in favour of a political party at low rate.
The bench said in its 46-page judgement that “the action of the government is contrary to Section 45 and 79(1) of the Act. When a public body exceeds or abuses power vested in it, the court interferes to correct the infraction and it is in larger public interest to set aside it.”
The Justice, Mr Ramesh Ranaganathan, said that the government had no power to direct the housing board to alienate land, it can be given only for the purpose of the Act. The court rejected the contention of the respondents that there was delay in filing writ petition and the petitioner’s action was suspicious.
Hyderabad, Dec. 17: The AP High Court on Friday struck down an order issued by the state government directing the AP Housing Board to alienate land to the AP Congress Committee to construct its party office at Bhimraobada besides Gandhibhavan in Hyderabad.
A division bench comprising the Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and the Justice Ramesh Ranganathan declared the direction of the government as illegal. The bench set side the GO and the subsequent sale deed.
The government had issued GO Ms No 76 on November 25, 2005, directing the AP Housing Board to alienate the land in favour of the Indian National Congress. Subsequently, the sale deed was executed. An NGO, Campaign for Housing and Tenural Rights (CHATRI), through its org-aniser, Mr Jeevan Kumar, filed a public interest litigation challenging the action of the state government.
The petitioner contended that the GO was in violation of the AP Housing Board Act.
He said that the board was formed for the purpose of providing housing acco-mmodation. He argued that area, which was notified as a slum and meant for housing scheme, could not be alienated in favour of a political party at low rate.
The bench said in its 46-page judgement that “the action of the government is contrary to Section 45 and 79(1) of the Act. When a public body exceeds or abuses power vested in it, the court interferes to correct the infraction and it is in larger public interest to set aside it.”
The Justice, Mr Ramesh Ranaganathan, said that the government had no power to direct the housing board to alienate land, it can be given only for the purpose of the Act. The court rejected the contention of the respondents that there was delay in filing writ petition and the petitioner’s action was suspicious.
Plea against Telangana state dismissed
Hyderabad, Dec 17 : The AP High Court on Friday dismissed a public interest writ petition filed challenging the process to grant statehood to Telangana region declaring that such a petition at this stage was premature.
A division bench comprising the Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and the Justice Noushad Ali, dealing with the petition filed by Mr C. Narayana, a resident of Anantapur district, praying to declare illegal the process of division of state as long as there was Article 371(D) in the Constitution, Article 3 can not be invoked.
Mr P.V. Krishnaiah, counsel for the petitioner, told the court that Article 371(D) of the Indian Constitution refers to special status to Andhra Pradesh and provisions for equitable opportunities for people from different regions of state.
Mr Ponnam Ashok Goud, assistant solicitor-general, told the court that the process of separation of the state had not commenced.
Mr D.V. Seetharama Murthy, advocate-general, submitted to the court that the issues involved in the petition are not justified.
While rejecting the petition, the court said, “In our opinion, a new state can be formed only as per the procedure prescribed in Article 3 of the Constitution. We cannot presume that the representatives of the citizens in Parliament or the Legislative Assembly would not follow the provisions of Article 3.”
A division bench comprising the Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and the Justice Noushad Ali, dealing with the petition filed by Mr C. Narayana, a resident of Anantapur district, praying to declare illegal the process of division of state as long as there was Article 371(D) in the Constitution, Article 3 can not be invoked.
Mr P.V. Krishnaiah, counsel for the petitioner, told the court that Article 371(D) of the Indian Constitution refers to special status to Andhra Pradesh and provisions for equitable opportunities for people from different regions of state.
Mr Ponnam Ashok Goud, assistant solicitor-general, told the court that the process of separation of the state had not commenced.
Mr D.V. Seetharama Murthy, advocate-general, submitted to the court that the issues involved in the petition are not justified.
While rejecting the petition, the court said, “In our opinion, a new state can be formed only as per the procedure prescribed in Article 3 of the Constitution. We cannot presume that the representatives of the citizens in Parliament or the Legislative Assembly would not follow the provisions of Article 3.”
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
PIL filed on validity of Chidambaram's announcement on seperation of Telangana
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec 15 : A public interest litigation was filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday contending that there was no Constitutional validity of a legal effect on the statement made by the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, to initiate the process of separation of Telangana.
Mr C. Narayana, a resident of Anantapur district, filed the petition contending that since the statement of Mr Chidambaram was based on a decision taken by the core committee of the Congress it would not become a decision of the Union government.
He said that the statement was made by Mr Chidambaram on behalf the Council of Ministers and not based on any resolution passed by the Union Cabinet. He argued that the core committee is not a Constitutional authority and added that the process of formation of a new state will not begin unless a decision of the political parties was conveyed by the Union Cabinet through a resolution and advise to the President of India.
The petitioner complained to the court that the statement has led to major unrest across the state.
He told the court that as long as Article 371-D of the Constitution is in force the Centre had no power to divide Andhra Pradesh under Article 3. Mr Narayana submitted to the court that Article 371-D was incorporated in the Constitution after the separate Telangana agitation in 1969.
He said that based on the Article AP has been divided into six zones. He argued that if at all the Centre has to divide the state it has to amend the Constitution.
Hyderabad, Dec 15 : A public interest litigation was filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday contending that there was no Constitutional validity of a legal effect on the statement made by the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, to initiate the process of separation of Telangana.
Mr C. Narayana, a resident of Anantapur district, filed the petition contending that since the statement of Mr Chidambaram was based on a decision taken by the core committee of the Congress it would not become a decision of the Union government.
He said that the statement was made by Mr Chidambaram on behalf the Council of Ministers and not based on any resolution passed by the Union Cabinet. He argued that the core committee is not a Constitutional authority and added that the process of formation of a new state will not begin unless a decision of the political parties was conveyed by the Union Cabinet through a resolution and advise to the President of India.
The petitioner complained to the court that the statement has led to major unrest across the state.
He told the court that as long as Article 371-D of the Constitution is in force the Centre had no power to divide Andhra Pradesh under Article 3. Mr Narayana submitted to the court that Article 371-D was incorporated in the Constitution after the separate Telangana agitation in 1969.
He said that based on the Article AP has been divided into six zones. He argued that if at all the Centre has to divide the state it has to amend the Constitution.
Markfed told to compete in order to procure pulses
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec. 15: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday asked the state government to direct the AP Markfed to compete with private traders in order to procure pulses in the ensuing season.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy while dealing with a petition filed against skyrocketing prices of pulses particularly red gram in the market suggested the government to intervene in the market through the AP Markfed by competing with private traders in procuring pulses.
The AP Markfed submitted to the court that it would procure red gram from the farmers as per the minimum support price fixed by the government, but it could not pay more than support price offered by the private traders to farmers.
Reacting to the submission the bench told Mr A. Satya Prasad, additional advocate- general that if the Markfed could not procure red gram or other pulses, private traders will grab the stock and it would lead to further rise of prices.
“To avoid such a situation instruct the Markfed to procure pulses from farmers and the government shall fix a retail price with a minimum profit and make it available to the people,’’ the bench advised.
Mr Prasad told the court that Markfed opened stalls across the state to sell red gram at lower prices.
The court suggested that all other pulses could be sold through the Markfed stalls. The court directed the additional advocate-general to file a counter affidavit on the steps taken by the government to procuring the stocks of pulses.
Hyderabad, Dec. 15: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday asked the state government to direct the AP Markfed to compete with private traders in order to procure pulses in the ensuing season.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy while dealing with a petition filed against skyrocketing prices of pulses particularly red gram in the market suggested the government to intervene in the market through the AP Markfed by competing with private traders in procuring pulses.
The AP Markfed submitted to the court that it would procure red gram from the farmers as per the minimum support price fixed by the government, but it could not pay more than support price offered by the private traders to farmers.
Reacting to the submission the bench told Mr A. Satya Prasad, additional advocate- general that if the Markfed could not procure red gram or other pulses, private traders will grab the stock and it would lead to further rise of prices.
“To avoid such a situation instruct the Markfed to procure pulses from farmers and the government shall fix a retail price with a minimum profit and make it available to the people,’’ the bench advised.
Mr Prasad told the court that Markfed opened stalls across the state to sell red gram at lower prices.
The court suggested that all other pulses could be sold through the Markfed stalls. The court directed the additional advocate-general to file a counter affidavit on the steps taken by the government to procuring the stocks of pulses.
AP High Court gives one day to reopen Telangana institutions
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec 15 : A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday granted the state government one day time to report its decision on whether junior, degree colleges and universities in Telangana region can reopen or not.
The bench was dealing with a government appeal against the order of a single judge who had suspended GO MS. No. 856. The government issued the GO on December 3, directing the closure of higher educational institutions in the 10 districts of Telangana in view of the unrest in the region.
Senior Counsel Mr Prakash Reddy appearing for the writ petitioners repeatedly pleaded with the court that there were no untoward incidents in the region justifying the continuation of the closure.
He pointed out that while incidence of consistent violence was being reported from certain regions (Andhra and Rayalaseema) the government had not taken any action. The advocate-general D.V. Seetharamamurthy informed the court that the High Power Committee was yet to take a decision and a decision was underway. The bench told the AG to give wide publicity in case a a decision to open the institutions was taken by Wednesday.
Hyderabad, Dec 15 : A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday granted the state government one day time to report its decision on whether junior, degree colleges and universities in Telangana region can reopen or not.
The bench was dealing with a government appeal against the order of a single judge who had suspended GO MS. No. 856. The government issued the GO on December 3, directing the closure of higher educational institutions in the 10 districts of Telangana in view of the unrest in the region.
Senior Counsel Mr Prakash Reddy appearing for the writ petitioners repeatedly pleaded with the court that there were no untoward incidents in the region justifying the continuation of the closure.
He pointed out that while incidence of consistent violence was being reported from certain regions (Andhra and Rayalaseema) the government had not taken any action. The advocate-general D.V. Seetharamamurthy informed the court that the High Power Committee was yet to take a decision and a decision was underway. The bench told the AG to give wide publicity in case a a decision to open the institutions was taken by Wednesday.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
AP High Court stays Centre’s order for CBI probe into OMC affairs
By S A Ishaqu
Hyderabad, Dec. 14: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed the notification issued by the Centre to conduct a CBI probe into alleged irregularities of the Obulapuram Mining Company Pvt Ltd.
Justice Gopalakrishna Tamada dealing with a petition filed by the OMC challenging the notification, directed that no further steps should be taken in pursuance of the notification for six weeks.
Mr Parasaran, senior counsel of Supreme Court arguing on behalf the petitioner contended that the notification was illegal and the offence which was mentioned in the notification like illegal mining and boundary dispute cannot attract provisions of criminal law.
He said there was no reference in the notification that his client has committed any offence which attracts criminal provisions. He argued that without specific reasoning of a criminal offence the Centre cannot direct the CBI to conduct inquiry against his client.
While refuting the contentions of the petitioner’s counsel Mr T. Niranjan Reddy, special public prosecutor told the court that the CBI has the power to investigate directly as per its manual on any offence even in the absence of a notification from the Union government.
He contended that the CBI had gathered reliable information from various sources that the concerned unknown public servants had abused their official position by entering into criminal conspiracy in fixing the location of the mining lease of the OMC. He told the court that the accused company had greedy intentions and stole the valuable mineral ores from the unauthorised area and illegally transported it in violation of various laws.
He said that this information disclosed commission of offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, theft, criminal trespass and dishonestly receiving stolen property.
Mr D.V. Seetharam Murthy, advocate-general argued that if there was any lacuna in the notification it would not be taken into consideration as the state gave its consent based on reliable material proving several irregularities took place in mining by the OMC.
While staying the notification, the judge issued notices to the Centre and state governments and also to the CBI to file their counter affidavits within six weeks and posted the case to January 29.
Hyderabad, Dec. 14: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed the notification issued by the Centre to conduct a CBI probe into alleged irregularities of the Obulapuram Mining Company Pvt Ltd.
Justice Gopalakrishna Tamada dealing with a petition filed by the OMC challenging the notification, directed that no further steps should be taken in pursuance of the notification for six weeks.
Mr Parasaran, senior counsel of Supreme Court arguing on behalf the petitioner contended that the notification was illegal and the offence which was mentioned in the notification like illegal mining and boundary dispute cannot attract provisions of criminal law.
He said there was no reference in the notification that his client has committed any offence which attracts criminal provisions. He argued that without specific reasoning of a criminal offence the Centre cannot direct the CBI to conduct inquiry against his client.
While refuting the contentions of the petitioner’s counsel Mr T. Niranjan Reddy, special public prosecutor told the court that the CBI has the power to investigate directly as per its manual on any offence even in the absence of a notification from the Union government.
He contended that the CBI had gathered reliable information from various sources that the concerned unknown public servants had abused their official position by entering into criminal conspiracy in fixing the location of the mining lease of the OMC. He told the court that the accused company had greedy intentions and stole the valuable mineral ores from the unauthorised area and illegally transported it in violation of various laws.
He said that this information disclosed commission of offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, theft, criminal trespass and dishonestly receiving stolen property.
Mr D.V. Seetharam Murthy, advocate-general argued that if there was any lacuna in the notification it would not be taken into consideration as the state gave its consent based on reliable material proving several irregularities took place in mining by the OMC.
While staying the notification, the judge issued notices to the Centre and state governments and also to the CBI to file their counter affidavits within six weeks and posted the case to January 29.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Lawyers clash at AP High Court over Telangana
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec 11:Tension prevailed at the Andhra Pradesh High Court as lawyers on Friday clashed over the formation of a separate Telangana state.
Trouble began after two groups of lawyers entered into an argument over the issue. One group opposed the division of the state, while lawyers from Telangana supported the central government's decision to initiate the process of formation of a separate state.
The high court premises reverberated with slogans of "Jai Telangana" and "Jai Andhra" as rival groups began attacking each other.
A few lawyers were injured. Police intervened to control the situation and closed the gates of the high court to prevent the entry of outsiders.
Lawyers from Telangana region had actively participated in the 11-day agitation for separate state.
Hyderabad, Dec 11:Tension prevailed at the Andhra Pradesh High Court as lawyers on Friday clashed over the formation of a separate Telangana state.
Trouble began after two groups of lawyers entered into an argument over the issue. One group opposed the division of the state, while lawyers from Telangana supported the central government's decision to initiate the process of formation of a separate state.
The high court premises reverberated with slogans of "Jai Telangana" and "Jai Andhra" as rival groups began attacking each other.
A few lawyers were injured. Police intervened to control the situation and closed the gates of the high court to prevent the entry of outsiders.
Lawyers from Telangana region had actively participated in the 11-day agitation for separate state.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
AP High Court refuses to intervene Telangana war
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Dec. 8: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday refused to intervene in the issue of forming a separate Telangana state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while dealing with a petition filed by Mr P.V. Krishnaiah, a practising advocate of the High Court, observed that “formation of a state is the combined action of the legislative and the executive.”
The petitioner sought directions from the court to the Centre to positively consider the demand of separate Telangana and also to protect the fundamental rights of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, by providing him food and medicines. He also urged the court to tell Mr Chandrasekhar Rao to withdraw his fast.
While considering whether the petition should be taken up for hearing or not, the court said, “No state can be formed on a writ and only the government of India and the President has the power to either reorganise or form a state.”
Referring to the request on giving a direction to provide food to Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, the bench said, “He (Mr Chandrasekhar Rao) is a wise and mature man. He knows what he is doing.”
The bench further said urged the petitioner to approach MPs to build a majority opinion among them “instead of knocking at the wrong door (the court).” The court directed the registry to number the petition and list the matter for further hearing.
Earlier, the court heard a petition filed by Mr Mohammed Adam, a practising advocate, complaining about the failure of law and order in the state.
The advocate general, Mr D.V. Seetharam Murthy, explained the steps taken to maintain law and order in the state. The court adjourned the matter to December 15 for further hearing.
Hyderabad,Dec. 8: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday refused to intervene in the issue of forming a separate Telangana state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while dealing with a petition filed by Mr P.V. Krishnaiah, a practising advocate of the High Court, observed that “formation of a state is the combined action of the legislative and the executive.”
The petitioner sought directions from the court to the Centre to positively consider the demand of separate Telangana and also to protect the fundamental rights of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, by providing him food and medicines. He also urged the court to tell Mr Chandrasekhar Rao to withdraw his fast.
While considering whether the petition should be taken up for hearing or not, the court said, “No state can be formed on a writ and only the government of India and the President has the power to either reorganise or form a state.”
Referring to the request on giving a direction to provide food to Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, the bench said, “He (Mr Chandrasekhar Rao) is a wise and mature man. He knows what he is doing.”
The bench further said urged the petitioner to approach MPs to build a majority opinion among them “instead of knocking at the wrong door (the court).” The court directed the registry to number the petition and list the matter for further hearing.
Earlier, the court heard a petition filed by Mr Mohammed Adam, a practising advocate, complaining about the failure of law and order in the state.
The advocate general, Mr D.V. Seetharam Murthy, explained the steps taken to maintain law and order in the state. The court adjourned the matter to December 15 for further hearing.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Centre defends action taken against Obulapuram Mining Company
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec. 5: The Centre on Saturday defended its action to stop mining operations of the Obulapuram Mining Company before the AP High Court.
The assistant solicitor-general, Mr A. Rajasekhar Reddy, while arguing the case before Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, contended that it cannot be said that the Union of India lacks jurisdiction to pass the order to stop mining operations and transportation of the iron ore already mined.
He sought an adjournment by stating that the additional solicitor -general of India would appear in the matter to defend the Centre’s stand. Mr Parasaran, senior counsel of Supreme Court, appearing on behalf of Obulapuram Mining Company contended that the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had no jurisdiction to advise the state the measures to be taken on the basis of the report. “In fact, the application for its impleadment is pending before the SC in a case filed by a rival lessee and hence it cannot be taken as warrant by the CEC to proceed with the inquiry into the matter,” he added.
Hyderabad, Dec. 5: The Centre on Saturday defended its action to stop mining operations of the Obulapuram Mining Company before the AP High Court.
The assistant solicitor-general, Mr A. Rajasekhar Reddy, while arguing the case before Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, contended that it cannot be said that the Union of India lacks jurisdiction to pass the order to stop mining operations and transportation of the iron ore already mined.
He sought an adjournment by stating that the additional solicitor -general of India would appear in the matter to defend the Centre’s stand. Mr Parasaran, senior counsel of Supreme Court, appearing on behalf of Obulapuram Mining Company contended that the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had no jurisdiction to advise the state the measures to be taken on the basis of the report. “In fact, the application for its impleadment is pending before the SC in a case filed by a rival lessee and hence it cannot be taken as warrant by the CEC to proceed with the inquiry into the matter,” he added.
AP High Court asks why Telangana colleges are shut
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec. 5: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Saturday prima facie felt that the government should not have closed the colleges in Telangana region as it would result in giving an edge to students in other regions.
Justice L. Narsimha Reddy was dealing with a petition filed by one Ms K. Deepa and eight others challenging the Government Order Ms. No. 856 issued by the government declaring holidays for the government, aided and private junior, polytechnic, degree and university colleges, including professional colleges, from December 4 to 18 in 10 Telangana districts.
Mr Gandra Mohana Rao, counsel for the petitioner, arguing the case told the court that the decision of the government was totally arbitrary and unreasonable. He contended that the government order had been issued without application of mind and without any material before the government.
He said that there was no alleged unrest necessitating closing of all the colleges in Telangana.
Counsel argued that the government did not have jurisdiction to close the universities as per the provisions of the University Acts.
Mr D.V. Seetharam Murthy, the advocate-general, said as per Section 92 (2) of the AP Education Act, the government had the power to close down educational institutions if the situation warrants.
He contended that the state had the responsibility to maintain law and order and peace. The court asked the advocate-general to get instructions from the government to explain the reasons for the decision to the court by Monday.
Hyderabad, Dec. 5: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Saturday prima facie felt that the government should not have closed the colleges in Telangana region as it would result in giving an edge to students in other regions.
Justice L. Narsimha Reddy was dealing with a petition filed by one Ms K. Deepa and eight others challenging the Government Order Ms. No. 856 issued by the government declaring holidays for the government, aided and private junior, polytechnic, degree and university colleges, including professional colleges, from December 4 to 18 in 10 Telangana districts.
Mr Gandra Mohana Rao, counsel for the petitioner, arguing the case told the court that the decision of the government was totally arbitrary and unreasonable. He contended that the government order had been issued without application of mind and without any material before the government.
He said that there was no alleged unrest necessitating closing of all the colleges in Telangana.
Counsel argued that the government did not have jurisdiction to close the universities as per the provisions of the University Acts.
Mr D.V. Seetharam Murthy, the advocate-general, said as per Section 92 (2) of the AP Education Act, the government had the power to close down educational institutions if the situation warrants.
He contended that the state had the responsibility to maintain law and order and peace. The court asked the advocate-general to get instructions from the government to explain the reasons for the decision to the court by Monday.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Advocate irks High Court for attributing motive to court
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Nov. 30: The Andhra Pradesh High Court was dismayed on Monday over an advocate’s submission when a petition filed by Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) was being heard. OMC was challenging the government’s order restraining it from mining.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy was dealing with the petition. During the course of hearing, counsel appearing for a petitioner who challenged mining lease to OMC submitted that the firm deliberately impleaded the Pollution Control Board as a party in the petition even though it had nothing to do with the case. He said the petitioner was deliberately trying to get the subject matter out of the roster of a single judge of this court and it was a case of “forum shopping.” The bench took serious exception to the submissions of counsel and told him not to attribute motives to the court.
Counsel appearing on behalf of the OMC argued that the government had no power to suspend the loading of material which was lying in the ports for loading. Justice Nagarjuna Reddy asked the advocate-general Mr Seetharam Murthy what power the government had to suspend the activities.
Mr Murthy replied that the government has inherent power and the GO was issued in public interest. He further said that there was a public outcry over OMC’s mining activities. He submitted that there were serious allegations on extraction of iron ore from the disputed area.
The bench said: “If the company is mining in a disputed area, you could have stopped the mining, but how can you stop mining completely in the entire area?”
Hyderabad, Nov. 30: The Andhra Pradesh High Court was dismayed on Monday over an advocate’s submission when a petition filed by Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) was being heard. OMC was challenging the government’s order restraining it from mining.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy was dealing with the petition. During the course of hearing, counsel appearing for a petitioner who challenged mining lease to OMC submitted that the firm deliberately impleaded the Pollution Control Board as a party in the petition even though it had nothing to do with the case. He said the petitioner was deliberately trying to get the subject matter out of the roster of a single judge of this court and it was a case of “forum shopping.” The bench took serious exception to the submissions of counsel and told him not to attribute motives to the court.
Counsel appearing on behalf of the OMC argued that the government had no power to suspend the loading of material which was lying in the ports for loading. Justice Nagarjuna Reddy asked the advocate-general Mr Seetharam Murthy what power the government had to suspend the activities.
Mr Murthy replied that the government has inherent power and the GO was issued in public interest. He further said that there was a public outcry over OMC’s mining activities. He submitted that there were serious allegations on extraction of iron ore from the disputed area.
The bench said: “If the company is mining in a disputed area, you could have stopped the mining, but how can you stop mining completely in the entire area?”
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Andhra Government asked to explain mine ban
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Nov. 27: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday asked the state government to explain under what authority it asked the Obulapuram Mining Company to stop its operations without issuing it notice or hearing its version.
A division bench comprising Justice T. Meena Kumari and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar raised the question with the advocate-general, Mr D. Seetharam Murthy, while dealing with a petition filed by OMC challenging the Government Order of November 25 suspending mining operations and transportation of iron ore.
“The lease given to the OMC is in accordance with a statute and your suspension order too should be in accordance with a statute,” said the bench.
Though the AG said the state had inherent power to act instantaneously, the Bench did not accept that. Mr K. Raghavacharyulu, the senior counsel for OMC, said a member of the SC’s central empowered committee had written to the government ordering it to stop the OMC operations and the government blindly obeyed it. Mr Raghava-charyulu urged the court to allow OMC to lift the leftover iron ore. While the AG said that OMC can lift the stock by paying Rs 6 crore per day, OMC said it can pay Rs 2.25 crore per day.
The Bench asked OMC to deposit a lumpsum guarantee of Rs 30 crore with the director of mines for the next two weeks.
Hyderabad, Nov. 27: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday asked the state government to explain under what authority it asked the Obulapuram Mining Company to stop its operations without issuing it notice or hearing its version.
A division bench comprising Justice T. Meena Kumari and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar raised the question with the advocate-general, Mr D. Seetharam Murthy, while dealing with a petition filed by OMC challenging the Government Order of November 25 suspending mining operations and transportation of iron ore.
“The lease given to the OMC is in accordance with a statute and your suspension order too should be in accordance with a statute,” said the bench.
Though the AG said the state had inherent power to act instantaneously, the Bench did not accept that. Mr K. Raghavacharyulu, the senior counsel for OMC, said a member of the SC’s central empowered committee had written to the government ordering it to stop the OMC operations and the government blindly obeyed it. Mr Raghava-charyulu urged the court to allow OMC to lift the leftover iron ore. While the AG said that OMC can lift the stock by paying Rs 6 crore per day, OMC said it can pay Rs 2.25 crore per day.
The Bench asked OMC to deposit a lumpsum guarantee of Rs 30 crore with the director of mines for the next two weeks.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Karnataka Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy moves AP High Court on AP order
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Nov. 26: The Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) run by the Karnataka minister, Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy, on Thursday approached the AP High Court challenging an order issued by the government stopping the company from undertaking mining activity at Anantapur.
The petition also challenges the government decision to stop transportation of iron ore from the mines at Ananthapur.
It was on Wednesday that the AP industries secretary, Mr M. Veerabhadraiah, issued the order on the basis of the reports by an empowered committed of the Supreme Court and a three-member forest officials’ committee. OMC has been facing allegations of illegal mining activity.
Mr B.V. Srinivasa Reddy, managing director of the company, filed the petition contending that the order of the government was unconstitutional.
According to the petitioner, the CEC advised to stop mining operations and transportation of already mined material, but the state government went further and stopped even transportation of material from the stockyard of the company which was away from the lease area. Mr Reddy urged the court to suspend the operation of the government order (GO) and declare it as illegal.
Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy had said on Wednesday that mining activities at OMC would not be suspended at any cost.
Hyderabad,Nov. 26: The Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) run by the Karnataka minister, Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy, on Thursday approached the AP High Court challenging an order issued by the government stopping the company from undertaking mining activity at Anantapur.
The petition also challenges the government decision to stop transportation of iron ore from the mines at Ananthapur.
It was on Wednesday that the AP industries secretary, Mr M. Veerabhadraiah, issued the order on the basis of the reports by an empowered committed of the Supreme Court and a three-member forest officials’ committee. OMC has been facing allegations of illegal mining activity.
Mr B.V. Srinivasa Reddy, managing director of the company, filed the petition contending that the order of the government was unconstitutional.
According to the petitioner, the CEC advised to stop mining operations and transportation of already mined material, but the state government went further and stopped even transportation of material from the stockyard of the company which was away from the lease area. Mr Reddy urged the court to suspend the operation of the government order (GO) and declare it as illegal.
Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy had said on Wednesday that mining activities at OMC would not be suspended at any cost.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ananthapur Mining Corporation can continue mining ore: AP High Court
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Nov. 19: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday suspended an order issued by Mr Kallol Biswas, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Anantapur restraining the Anantapur Mining Corporation from mining iron ore at Obulapuram.
Justice L. Narasimha Reddy granted the interim order while dealing with a petition filed by Ms G. Lakshmi Aruna, wife of mining baron Mr Gali
Janardhan Reddy, challenging the divisional forest officer’s order.
The judge said that the DFO’s order issued on October 30 was not intended to force the petitioner to obtain permission for transporting the extracted iron ore.
“Instead it directed the petitioner to stop mining and this cannot be approved,” he said.
While allowing Anantapur Mining Corporation to continue mining operations, the judge directed the company to transport the extracted material only after getting permission from the forest authority
The judge agreed with the contention of senior counsel Mr S. Ramachandra Rao, who appeared for the petitioner, that matters relating to mining operations fell under the purview of the Central government, and did not rest with the forest officer. However, the court did not agree with him regarding the transit permit.
After admitting the petition, Justice Reddy asked the respondents to file their counters and posted the matter to two weeks for further hearing.
Meanwhile, Bellary Iron Ores Pvt Ltd, the arch rival of Gali Janardhana Reddy, on Thursday filed a petition in the High Court seeking a direction to the state and Central governments to stop the alleged illegal mining by the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) in the areas allotted to them.
The petitioner also sought a direction for a joint survey by various agencies to be conducted in the mining terrain of these two companies to demarcate their respective areas.
Hyderabad, Nov. 19: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday suspended an order issued by Mr Kallol Biswas, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Anantapur restraining the Anantapur Mining Corporation from mining iron ore at Obulapuram.
Justice L. Narasimha Reddy granted the interim order while dealing with a petition filed by Ms G. Lakshmi Aruna, wife of mining baron Mr Gali
Janardhan Reddy, challenging the divisional forest officer’s order.
The judge said that the DFO’s order issued on October 30 was not intended to force the petitioner to obtain permission for transporting the extracted iron ore.
“Instead it directed the petitioner to stop mining and this cannot be approved,” he said.
While allowing Anantapur Mining Corporation to continue mining operations, the judge directed the company to transport the extracted material only after getting permission from the forest authority
The judge agreed with the contention of senior counsel Mr S. Ramachandra Rao, who appeared for the petitioner, that matters relating to mining operations fell under the purview of the Central government, and did not rest with the forest officer. However, the court did not agree with him regarding the transit permit.
After admitting the petition, Justice Reddy asked the respondents to file their counters and posted the matter to two weeks for further hearing.
Meanwhile, Bellary Iron Ores Pvt Ltd, the arch rival of Gali Janardhana Reddy, on Thursday filed a petition in the High Court seeking a direction to the state and Central governments to stop the alleged illegal mining by the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) in the areas allotted to them.
The petitioner also sought a direction for a joint survey by various agencies to be conducted in the mining terrain of these two companies to demarcate their respective areas.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
AP High Court will writ against AP Chief Minister Mr K Rosaiah
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Nov. 11: The AP High Court on Wednesday commenced hearing on a writ of quo warranto filed against the appointment of Mr K. Rosaiah as Chief Minister.
During the hearing, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy will decide whether or not the writ can be admitted for final adjudication. The bench also will deal with a question of whether or not the Governor can be made party in such a writ.
Senior counsel, Mr S. Ramachandra Rao, contended on behalf of the petitioner, Mr Bezwada Gopal Reddy, that the government was not a competent authority to defend Mr Rosaiah, it is for the Chief Minister to explain his stand in a writ of quo warranto.
Mr Rao found fault with the counter affidavit filed by the chief secretary, saying that the officer cannot speak for the Governor with particular reference to how the the Governor chose Mr Rosaiah as Chief Minister since it was a personal decision.
“It is the Governor who alone can explain,” he said.
He stated that the Chief Secretary cannot do it and he can not depose
for such personal- knowledge for the Governor.
He contended that when the Chief Minister himself is saying that he
was appointed by the Congress high command , it was Governor alone
who can admit or deny it , but not the Chief Secretary.
Mr Rao argued that it was for the respondents to explain why Congress
Legislature Party meeting was not being held, even though more than
two months have passed after demise of Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.
He contended that it was for Mr Rosaiah to show under what authority
he holds the office, even though he admittedly does not have
Legislative approval.
The bench will continue its hearing on Thursday after lunch session
Hyderabad,Nov. 11: The AP High Court on Wednesday commenced hearing on a writ of quo warranto filed against the appointment of Mr K. Rosaiah as Chief Minister.
During the hearing, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy will decide whether or not the writ can be admitted for final adjudication. The bench also will deal with a question of whether or not the Governor can be made party in such a writ.
Senior counsel, Mr S. Ramachandra Rao, contended on behalf of the petitioner, Mr Bezwada Gopal Reddy, that the government was not a competent authority to defend Mr Rosaiah, it is for the Chief Minister to explain his stand in a writ of quo warranto.
Mr Rao found fault with the counter affidavit filed by the chief secretary, saying that the officer cannot speak for the Governor with particular reference to how the the Governor chose Mr Rosaiah as Chief Minister since it was a personal decision.
“It is the Governor who alone can explain,” he said.
He stated that the Chief Secretary cannot do it and he can not depose
for such personal- knowledge for the Governor.
He contended that when the Chief Minister himself is saying that he
was appointed by the Congress high command , it was Governor alone
who can admit or deny it , but not the Chief Secretary.
Mr Rao argued that it was for the respondents to explain why Congress
Legislature Party meeting was not being held, even though more than
two months have passed after demise of Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.
He contended that it was for Mr Rosaiah to show under what authority
he holds the office, even though he admittedly does not have
Legislative approval.
The bench will continue its hearing on Thursday after lunch session
Saturday, November 7, 2009
AP High Court asks for action taken on ACB cases
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Nov. 6: The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s functioning came under the scanner of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday. It trained its guns on the way the ACB operates and government’s interference in its affairs.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy fired its first salvo when it sought a status report on the cases registered by the ACB in the last five years.
The bench told the ACB and the general administration department to file their report in two weeks stating the number of cases the ACB had recommended to the government for prosecution of corrupt officials, the number of cases in which the government gave permission for prosecution and the cases dropped against officials.
The bench was dealing with a public interest litigation filed by an advocate, Mr D. Linga Rao, who sought an effective set-up to be put in place for uprooting corruption.
Mr Rao asked the court to direct the state government to set up a nodal agency vested with powers to continuously monitor the implementation of developmental and welfare programmes of the state.
The bench pointed out to him that while setting up a nodal agency to control corruption in all government departments was his idea, there was every possibility of that agency itself turning corrupt.
The bench asked the advocate who will control the controller in such a case.
The petitioner cited a recent order of the High Court, which sought a uniform policy to be followed by the government in its approach towards those government staff and officials charged with corruption cases.
Mr Ravikiran Rao, counsel for the ACB, told the court that they were finding it embarrassing to keep quiet when the government issues withdrawal (of prosecution) orders at the fag-end of its corruption trials.
When the petitioner tried to raise corruption charges against certain government departments like mining, the bench asked him to raise them only after making the authorities concerned parties to this litigation.
The petitioner wanted the court to direct the authorities to strengthen the hands of ACB. He also sought a direction to the state that it should not resort to needless interference in the affairs of ACB.
Hyderabad, Nov. 6: The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s functioning came under the scanner of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday. It trained its guns on the way the ACB operates and government’s interference in its affairs.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy fired its first salvo when it sought a status report on the cases registered by the ACB in the last five years.
The bench told the ACB and the general administration department to file their report in two weeks stating the number of cases the ACB had recommended to the government for prosecution of corrupt officials, the number of cases in which the government gave permission for prosecution and the cases dropped against officials.
The bench was dealing with a public interest litigation filed by an advocate, Mr D. Linga Rao, who sought an effective set-up to be put in place for uprooting corruption.
Mr Rao asked the court to direct the state government to set up a nodal agency vested with powers to continuously monitor the implementation of developmental and welfare programmes of the state.
The bench pointed out to him that while setting up a nodal agency to control corruption in all government departments was his idea, there was every possibility of that agency itself turning corrupt.
The bench asked the advocate who will control the controller in such a case.
The petitioner cited a recent order of the High Court, which sought a uniform policy to be followed by the government in its approach towards those government staff and officials charged with corruption cases.
Mr Ravikiran Rao, counsel for the ACB, told the court that they were finding it embarrassing to keep quiet when the government issues withdrawal (of prosecution) orders at the fag-end of its corruption trials.
When the petitioner tried to raise corruption charges against certain government departments like mining, the bench asked him to raise them only after making the authorities concerned parties to this litigation.
The petitioner wanted the court to direct the authorities to strengthen the hands of ACB. He also sought a direction to the state that it should not resort to needless interference in the affairs of ACB.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
CM floor test does not arise, says Governor
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Nov. 4: The Governor on Tuesday told the AP High Court that the Chief Minster, Mr K. Rosaiah, taking a floor test does not arise as no legislator or group of legislators has claimed majority support in the Assembly
Mr P. Ramaknath Reddy, the chief secretary, filed a counter on behalf of the Governor stating that he was authorised by the Governor to bring those facts before the High Court.
The counter affidavit was filed pursuant to a direction of the court on a interim petition filed by Bezavada Govinda Reddy seeking an order to implead the Governor as a respondent in a writ of quo warranto filed against the appointment of Mr K Rosaiah as Chief Minister.
The Governor submitted that he had appointed Mr K. Rosaiah in exercise of his discretion under Article 164 (1) of the Constitution after taking into account the circumstances existing at the time of appointment.
According to the affidavit, the Governor has not so far fixed any time limit for holding the floor test in the Legislative Assembly to establish the confidence of the House in Mr Rosaiah.
The counter affidavit said that the contention of the petitioner that the Governor appointed Mr Rosaiah as Chief Minister at the instance of third party without using his personal discretion was not correct.
The Governor contended that the impleading petition was not maintainable in view of the bar under Article 361 of the Constitution.
Hyderabad,Nov. 4: The Governor on Tuesday told the AP High Court that the Chief Minster, Mr K. Rosaiah, taking a floor test does not arise as no legislator or group of legislators has claimed majority support in the Assembly
Mr P. Ramaknath Reddy, the chief secretary, filed a counter on behalf of the Governor stating that he was authorised by the Governor to bring those facts before the High Court.
The counter affidavit was filed pursuant to a direction of the court on a interim petition filed by Bezavada Govinda Reddy seeking an order to implead the Governor as a respondent in a writ of quo warranto filed against the appointment of Mr K Rosaiah as Chief Minister.
The Governor submitted that he had appointed Mr K. Rosaiah in exercise of his discretion under Article 164 (1) of the Constitution after taking into account the circumstances existing at the time of appointment.
According to the affidavit, the Governor has not so far fixed any time limit for holding the floor test in the Legislative Assembly to establish the confidence of the House in Mr Rosaiah.
The counter affidavit said that the contention of the petitioner that the Governor appointed Mr Rosaiah as Chief Minister at the instance of third party without using his personal discretion was not correct.
The Governor contended that the impleading petition was not maintainable in view of the bar under Article 361 of the Constitution.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Public Interest Litigation against Y S Rajasekhar Reddy memorial dismissed
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Oct. 29: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation filed against the state government’s move to develop 1,412 acres in Velugodu reserve forest at Atmakuru in Kurnool district as Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy Smruthi Vanam (memorial park) as arbitrary and illegal.
The government, on September 30, had issued a GO to develop a memorial in the name of YSR at the spot where his copter crashed on September 2.
WATCH, a registered society represented by its secretary, Mr B. Dasharatham, had filed the PIL saying that the Nallamala forest which covers a large number of districts is the only dense forest in the state. He said apart from having rich flora and fauna, it houses a number of animals and plant species which may become extinct due to the proposed memorial.
The government told a division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy that it would neither destroy the flora and fauna nor the environment in the forest. It also submitted that the government would not fell any trees in the area. It added that it would take steps for afforestation at the proposed site.
Hyderabad,Oct. 29: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation filed against the state government’s move to develop 1,412 acres in Velugodu reserve forest at Atmakuru in Kurnool district as Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy Smruthi Vanam (memorial park) as arbitrary and illegal.
The government, on September 30, had issued a GO to develop a memorial in the name of YSR at the spot where his copter crashed on September 2.
WATCH, a registered society represented by its secretary, Mr B. Dasharatham, had filed the PIL saying that the Nallamala forest which covers a large number of districts is the only dense forest in the state. He said apart from having rich flora and fauna, it houses a number of animals and plant species which may become extinct due to the proposed memorial.
The government told a division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy that it would neither destroy the flora and fauna nor the environment in the forest. It also submitted that the government would not fell any trees in the area. It added that it would take steps for afforestation at the proposed site.
AP High Court seeks information on women police in Andhra Pradesh police department
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Oct. 29: The Andhra Pradesh High Court asked the state government to spell out what steps it took to improve representation of women in the police department.
At present, women police constitute only 2.6 per cent of the police force in AP. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while admitting a petition filed by one Mr Srinivas Madhav, a practising advocate, directed the principal secretary of the home department to provide more details on the number of women and men they had taken in each recruitment drive. It also sought the men and women ratio in the police department.
When Mr K. Janakirama Reddy, counsel for the home department, told the bench that they had classified certain categories of jobs in the police department and were taking women for those categories, the bench wondered whether gender would make any difference in the civil police wing.
The bench asked him: “If you feel women are not suited for night patrolling, driving and other tasks, better define them.”
The bench observed that they do not see any problem in women officers handling law and order situations and asked the home department, director-general of police and the chairman of the State Level Police Recruitment Board to file their counters.
Mr Srinivas Madhav told the court that it was a matter of concern that out of the total 65,826 civil police in the state, only 1,744 are women and there are only 27 women police stations in the state. He said it was nothing but tokenism which will not yield the desired results.
He added that in Tamil Nadu which has a women police force of 8,810 in its 72,208 civil police strength, there were 196 women police stations. While Tamil Nadu reported just 7,811 crimes against women in 2007, the crime rate added up to 11.8 per cent and for the same period, the crime rate in the state was 30.3 per cent.
Hyderabad,Oct. 29: The Andhra Pradesh High Court asked the state government to spell out what steps it took to improve representation of women in the police department.
At present, women police constitute only 2.6 per cent of the police force in AP. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while admitting a petition filed by one Mr Srinivas Madhav, a practising advocate, directed the principal secretary of the home department to provide more details on the number of women and men they had taken in each recruitment drive. It also sought the men and women ratio in the police department.
When Mr K. Janakirama Reddy, counsel for the home department, told the bench that they had classified certain categories of jobs in the police department and were taking women for those categories, the bench wondered whether gender would make any difference in the civil police wing.
The bench asked him: “If you feel women are not suited for night patrolling, driving and other tasks, better define them.”
The bench observed that they do not see any problem in women officers handling law and order situations and asked the home department, director-general of police and the chairman of the State Level Police Recruitment Board to file their counters.
Mr Srinivas Madhav told the court that it was a matter of concern that out of the total 65,826 civil police in the state, only 1,744 are women and there are only 27 women police stations in the state. He said it was nothing but tokenism which will not yield the desired results.
He added that in Tamil Nadu which has a women police force of 8,810 in its 72,208 civil police strength, there were 196 women police stations. While Tamil Nadu reported just 7,811 crimes against women in 2007, the crime rate added up to 11.8 per cent and for the same period, the crime rate in the state was 30.3 per cent.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
AP High Court seeks info on flood relief from AP, Centre
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Oct. 12: The Andhra Pradesh High Court wanted to know from the Centre and the state government the measures taken so far to provide relief and rehabilitation to flood victims in the five districts of the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy was dealing with a public-interest litigation filed by Ms T.H. Soubhagya Lakshimi, a practising advocate, seeking a direction to declare the flood as a national calamity.
The court asked the state and the Centre to post replies with the details on the measures taken in the flood affected districts within 10 days.
The petitioner alleged that the flood affected people were not getting proper assistance and confidence to start their life afresh.
Permission for screening DVDs
A petitioner on Monday urged the AP High Court to permit his counsel to arrange the screening of televised interviews of ministers requesting the Congress high command to make Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as Chief Minister.
Mr Bezavada Govinda Reddy, a Congress leader from Nellore district had earlier filed a writ of quo warranto against the appointment of Mr K. Rosaiah as Chief Minister of the state. He filed an additional affidavit seeking permission of the court to screen the DVDs of interviews of the ministers.
The petitioner submitted two DVDs containing footage of the interviews of the ministers and a press conference addressed by the Chief Minister. The petitioner told the court that Mr Rosaiah in his press conference told the media that he does not find anything wrong in ministers and MLAs representing to the high command to make Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy as the Chief Minister.
Info sought on Maoist leader
The High Court directed the police to file written instructions by Wednesday on the alleged detention of Maoist leader N. Ravi Sharma and his wife Ms N. Anuradha in Bihar state by the special police officers of the state. A division bench comprising Justice D.S.R. Varma and Justice R. Kantha Rao, while dealing with habeas corpus petition filed by Ms Sulochanamma, mother of Ravi Sharma, asked the assistant government pleader Ms Mohana Reddy to get instructions from the police on the whereabouts of the duo. Later in the evening, she informed the court that there was no information on the arrest of the two Maoists leaders with the state police.
Mr Raghunath, counsel for the petitioner, alleged that the officers of the special investigation wing of the state had arrested the two in broad daylight in Bihar. The court asked Ms Mohana Reddy to submit written instructions on the issue.
GHMC told to stop building
The High Court on Monday directed the GHMC to stop construction at the open space situated at Road No. 82, Phase III of Jubilee Hills area in the city. The court was dealing with a PIL filed by one Mr T. Hanumantha Rao alleging that the GHMC is constructing houses for weaker section in an open space belonging to the Jubilee Hills Co-operative Housing Society. The court directed the GHMC to conduct the land survey to identify and determine the open space.
Hyderabad,Oct. 12: The Andhra Pradesh High Court wanted to know from the Centre and the state government the measures taken so far to provide relief and rehabilitation to flood victims in the five districts of the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy was dealing with a public-interest litigation filed by Ms T.H. Soubhagya Lakshimi, a practising advocate, seeking a direction to declare the flood as a national calamity.
The court asked the state and the Centre to post replies with the details on the measures taken in the flood affected districts within 10 days.
The petitioner alleged that the flood affected people were not getting proper assistance and confidence to start their life afresh.
Permission for screening DVDs
A petitioner on Monday urged the AP High Court to permit his counsel to arrange the screening of televised interviews of ministers requesting the Congress high command to make Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as Chief Minister.
Mr Bezavada Govinda Reddy, a Congress leader from Nellore district had earlier filed a writ of quo warranto against the appointment of Mr K. Rosaiah as Chief Minister of the state. He filed an additional affidavit seeking permission of the court to screen the DVDs of interviews of the ministers.
The petitioner submitted two DVDs containing footage of the interviews of the ministers and a press conference addressed by the Chief Minister. The petitioner told the court that Mr Rosaiah in his press conference told the media that he does not find anything wrong in ministers and MLAs representing to the high command to make Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy as the Chief Minister.
Info sought on Maoist leader
The High Court directed the police to file written instructions by Wednesday on the alleged detention of Maoist leader N. Ravi Sharma and his wife Ms N. Anuradha in Bihar state by the special police officers of the state. A division bench comprising Justice D.S.R. Varma and Justice R. Kantha Rao, while dealing with habeas corpus petition filed by Ms Sulochanamma, mother of Ravi Sharma, asked the assistant government pleader Ms Mohana Reddy to get instructions from the police on the whereabouts of the duo. Later in the evening, she informed the court that there was no information on the arrest of the two Maoists leaders with the state police.
Mr Raghunath, counsel for the petitioner, alleged that the officers of the special investigation wing of the state had arrested the two in broad daylight in Bihar. The court asked Ms Mohana Reddy to submit written instructions on the issue.
GHMC told to stop building
The High Court on Monday directed the GHMC to stop construction at the open space situated at Road No. 82, Phase III of Jubilee Hills area in the city. The court was dealing with a PIL filed by one Mr T. Hanumantha Rao alleging that the GHMC is constructing houses for weaker section in an open space belonging to the Jubilee Hills Co-operative Housing Society. The court directed the GHMC to conduct the land survey to identify and determine the open space.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Modernity takes toll of Ramzan tradition
By S A Ishaqui
Like in many regions, Ramzan in Andhra Pradesh is linked to mouth- watering sevayya (vermicelli). The link between Ramzan and sevayya is so intimate that this festival has come to be known in the State as "semia la panduga" (feast of sevayya).
Sevayya is not just an ingredient or a dish. It's a tradition as far as Ramzan in the State is concerned. Every Muslim house in Andhra Pradesh used to be busy making hand-rolled sevayya in the last 10 days of the month. Everyone in the family right from the grandma to the toddler used to contribute in making the vermicelli. The neighbours too used to participate, lending their helping hand. In those days sevayya were not sold in the open market and they had to be made at home.
Till 1970s sevayya used to be rolled out by hands. It was a tedious and long- drawn process. Only the experts were involved in the main process, while others used to be engrossed in works like drying the wet vermicelli under the sun. The moulds ranged from ordinary eating plates to aluminium utensils.
Later machines, both manual and mechanical, were introduced, speeding up the process of sevayya preparation. But manual machines were quite popular in those days.
But with life becoming fast in the new millennium, the tradition of making sevayya at home has died down. Today sevayya, of various sizes, are readily available in the market. They are no longer made at home.
Kheer made of sevayya is a Ramzan delicacy and many Muslims make it a point to eat a bowl of sheer khurma before going to the Idgah or mosque to offer the Id prayers.
The making of Sevayya used to be an instrument in bringing hearts closer. It was a week-long process and used to bring the rich and the poor together. Both Muslims and Hindus used to participate in the preparation. There used to be one or two vermicelli machines in a mohalla.
People used to borrow the machine, one after one.
The wheat dough that's left in the machine is rolled into a chapati and cut into small diamond-shaped pieces, called sutlees. The payasam made of such sutlees is one of the Ramzan delicacies.
The sevayya machines have disappeared. So is the tradition of making vermicelli at home. Sevayya used to serve as a thread that bonds the hearts.
And with the tradition gone, the binding thread is broken.
Like in many regions, Ramzan in Andhra Pradesh is linked to mouth- watering sevayya (vermicelli). The link between Ramzan and sevayya is so intimate that this festival has come to be known in the State as "semia la panduga" (feast of sevayya).
Sevayya is not just an ingredient or a dish. It's a tradition as far as Ramzan in the State is concerned. Every Muslim house in Andhra Pradesh used to be busy making hand-rolled sevayya in the last 10 days of the month. Everyone in the family right from the grandma to the toddler used to contribute in making the vermicelli. The neighbours too used to participate, lending their helping hand. In those days sevayya were not sold in the open market and they had to be made at home.
Till 1970s sevayya used to be rolled out by hands. It was a tedious and long- drawn process. Only the experts were involved in the main process, while others used to be engrossed in works like drying the wet vermicelli under the sun. The moulds ranged from ordinary eating plates to aluminium utensils.
Later machines, both manual and mechanical, were introduced, speeding up the process of sevayya preparation. But manual machines were quite popular in those days.
But with life becoming fast in the new millennium, the tradition of making sevayya at home has died down. Today sevayya, of various sizes, are readily available in the market. They are no longer made at home.
Kheer made of sevayya is a Ramzan delicacy and many Muslims make it a point to eat a bowl of sheer khurma before going to the Idgah or mosque to offer the Id prayers.
The making of Sevayya used to be an instrument in bringing hearts closer. It was a week-long process and used to bring the rich and the poor together. Both Muslims and Hindus used to participate in the preparation. There used to be one or two vermicelli machines in a mohalla.
People used to borrow the machine, one after one.
The wheat dough that's left in the machine is rolled into a chapati and cut into small diamond-shaped pieces, called sutlees. The payasam made of such sutlees is one of the Ramzan delicacies.
The sevayya machines have disappeared. So is the tradition of making vermicelli at home. Sevayya used to serve as a thread that bonds the hearts.
And with the tradition gone, the binding thread is broken.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Dr Y S R Reddy chopper crash : Separate probe not needed : AP High Court
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Sept. 10: The AP High Court on Thursday refused to gave a direction to the Centre to appoint a special investigation team to probe the helicopter crash which took the lives of the then chief minister, Y.S. Raja-sekhar Reddy, and four others.
A division bench comprising the Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while disposing a petition filed by Mr R. Chandra Sekhar Reddy, Supreme Court advocate, said there was no need to appoint a team to probe the incident.
Mr A. Rajasekhar Reddy, assistant-solicitor-general, told the court that apart from the CBI, the DGCA and civil aviation authorities are also probing the incident. He said the state government had appointed a two-member expert team to conduct an inquiry into the mishap. While agreeing with the contentions of the Centre, the judges observed, “We do not see any other reason as to why we should order another probe.”
The bench made it clear that the petitioners can supply whatever material they have in this regard to the investigating agencies and get their doubts clarified.
Hyderabad,Sept. 10: The AP High Court on Thursday refused to gave a direction to the Centre to appoint a special investigation team to probe the helicopter crash which took the lives of the then chief minister, Y.S. Raja-sekhar Reddy, and four others.
A division bench comprising the Chief Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, while disposing a petition filed by Mr R. Chandra Sekhar Reddy, Supreme Court advocate, said there was no need to appoint a team to probe the incident.
Mr A. Rajasekhar Reddy, assistant-solicitor-general, told the court that apart from the CBI, the DGCA and civil aviation authorities are also probing the incident. He said the state government had appointed a two-member expert team to conduct an inquiry into the mishap. While agreeing with the contentions of the Centre, the judges observed, “We do not see any other reason as to why we should order another probe.”
The bench made it clear that the petitioners can supply whatever material they have in this regard to the investigating agencies and get their doubts clarified.
AP High Court will function from same place
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Sept. 10: The state government on Thursday made it clear that the High Court should function from the existing building and make use of the adjoining premises of the old maternity hospital till suitable land is allocated for its new complex.
The chief secretary, Mr Ramakanth Reddy, said this to the representatives of the High Court Advocates’ Association in the presence of the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, and Chief Justice Anil R. Dave on Thursday. Mr Rosaiah had visited the fire-damaged High Court building along with Mr Ramakanth Reddy and the representatives of the advocates’ association had presented a memorandum seeking 150 acres for the new High Court complex.
Even the Chief Justice requested Mr Rosaiah to provide an alternative site for the court. To this, Mr Rosaiah said that he will instruct the Ranga Reddy collector to identify a suitable land and suggested the Chief Justice to continue the proceedings at the existing building.
Reacting to the demands of the association, Mr Ramakanth Reddy said the government cannot accommodate the advocates in either the old Begumpet airport or the MCHRD Institute on a temporary basis because many procedures are involved in vacating the existing offices.
He said the government has handed over the premises of the old maternity hospital to the court.
Hyderabad,Sept. 10: The state government on Thursday made it clear that the High Court should function from the existing building and make use of the adjoining premises of the old maternity hospital till suitable land is allocated for its new complex.
The chief secretary, Mr Ramakanth Reddy, said this to the representatives of the High Court Advocates’ Association in the presence of the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, and Chief Justice Anil R. Dave on Thursday. Mr Rosaiah had visited the fire-damaged High Court building along with Mr Ramakanth Reddy and the representatives of the advocates’ association had presented a memorandum seeking 150 acres for the new High Court complex.
Even the Chief Justice requested Mr Rosaiah to provide an alternative site for the court. To this, Mr Rosaiah said that he will instruct the Ranga Reddy collector to identify a suitable land and suggested the Chief Justice to continue the proceedings at the existing building.
Reacting to the demands of the association, Mr Ramakanth Reddy said the government cannot accommodate the advocates in either the old Begumpet airport or the MCHRD Institute on a temporary basis because many procedures are involved in vacating the existing offices.
He said the government has handed over the premises of the old maternity hospital to the court.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
141 persosns die of Dr YSR grief in Andhra Pradesh
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Sept. 4: In an unprecedented show of love for any politician in the history of modern Andhra Pradesh, at least 141 people have died (including suicides) because they were unable to bear the trauma of the loss of their leader, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
One hundred and fifteen people died of cardiac failure and another 26 committed suicide after the chief minister died in a tragic helicopter crash deep in the Nallamali jungle.
While 42 people died on the first day (Thursday) soon after news of YSR’s death reached them, the toll went up to 141 on Friday as many could not bear the shock of their leader’s demise. All TV news channels beamed live the funeral procession and last rites, throwing people into a state of what psychologists described as "mass hysteria".
Psychiatrists explain the unprecedented number of deaths to the slow build-up of mental trauma and suppression of emotions over a period of 24 to 48 hours. The news of YSR’s helicopter disappearing was flashed on Wednesday afternoon and this caused mental agony and tension to his admirers. This state continued for a full day, heightening the trauma.
"People are attracted to leaders not only by their policies and programmes, but also by their personalities, the way they speak, dress and talk to them. This gradually creates a sort of hero worship and, when something tragic happens, they cannot bear the loss. This leads to mass hysteria," said senior psychiatrist Dr Yerra Sridhar Raju. He said there would have been mass violence had the news broken suddenly. "Now people are killing themselves. In case the news of death emerged the same day, people would have resorted to violence, killing others. They would have made someone their target of attack and would have taken to the streets."
Despite appeals to the people by chief minister K. Rosaiah and YSR’s son, Kadapa MP Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, to not resort to suicide, the death roll kept increasing on Friday.
Twenty-three people died due to shock in Warangal district, while in East Godavari 14 people succumbed to shock and two committed suicide. Six people died in Krishna and three in Adilabad. In Narsapuram in West Godavari district, an MRPS activist climbed up a cell tower and threatened to end his life if Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy was not made chief minister.
The toll, district-wise, is Nalgonda 11, Medak 11, Mahbubnagar six, Karimnagar eight, West Godavari three, Prakasam six, Nellore and Chittoor seven each, Visakhapatnam five, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam five each, Hyderabad three and Nizamabad seven.
In Kadapa, a head constable died of a heart attack after watching the funeral procession on TV. The constable was a fan of Rajasekhar Reddy. He had been upset for the last two days.
Hyderabad,Sept. 4: In an unprecedented show of love for any politician in the history of modern Andhra Pradesh, at least 141 people have died (including suicides) because they were unable to bear the trauma of the loss of their leader, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
One hundred and fifteen people died of cardiac failure and another 26 committed suicide after the chief minister died in a tragic helicopter crash deep in the Nallamali jungle.
While 42 people died on the first day (Thursday) soon after news of YSR’s death reached them, the toll went up to 141 on Friday as many could not bear the shock of their leader’s demise. All TV news channels beamed live the funeral procession and last rites, throwing people into a state of what psychologists described as "mass hysteria".
Psychiatrists explain the unprecedented number of deaths to the slow build-up of mental trauma and suppression of emotions over a period of 24 to 48 hours. The news of YSR’s helicopter disappearing was flashed on Wednesday afternoon and this caused mental agony and tension to his admirers. This state continued for a full day, heightening the trauma.
"People are attracted to leaders not only by their policies and programmes, but also by their personalities, the way they speak, dress and talk to them. This gradually creates a sort of hero worship and, when something tragic happens, they cannot bear the loss. This leads to mass hysteria," said senior psychiatrist Dr Yerra Sridhar Raju. He said there would have been mass violence had the news broken suddenly. "Now people are killing themselves. In case the news of death emerged the same day, people would have resorted to violence, killing others. They would have made someone their target of attack and would have taken to the streets."
Despite appeals to the people by chief minister K. Rosaiah and YSR’s son, Kadapa MP Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, to not resort to suicide, the death roll kept increasing on Friday.
Twenty-three people died due to shock in Warangal district, while in East Godavari 14 people succumbed to shock and two committed suicide. Six people died in Krishna and three in Adilabad. In Narsapuram in West Godavari district, an MRPS activist climbed up a cell tower and threatened to end his life if Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy was not made chief minister.
The toll, district-wise, is Nalgonda 11, Medak 11, Mahbubnagar six, Karimnagar eight, West Godavari three, Prakasam six, Nellore and Chittoor seven each, Visakhapatnam five, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam five each, Hyderabad three and Nizamabad seven.
In Kadapa, a head constable died of a heart attack after watching the funeral procession on TV. The constable was a fan of Rajasekhar Reddy. He had been upset for the last two days.
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Sept 4 : Last rites of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's principal secretary P Subrahmanyam, chief security officer ASC Wesley and Group Captain S K Bhatia, who were killed along with him, were today performed in different parts of the state.
The last rites of pilot M S Reddy, who too was killed in the crash, will be performed tomorrow at Brindavanpuram in Miryiyalguda of Nalgonda district.
All the bodies were brought to the city from Kurnool yesterday after an autopsy.
Subrahmanyam's body was taken to Chemadgunta village in Nellore district where the last rites were performed this afternoon with state honours, police said.
The body of ASC Wesley was taken to Prakasam district and buried at Mamdipalem in Ongole town after state honours this evening, police said, adding the last rites of Group Captain S K Bhatia was performed in Alwal area of the city.
Hyderabad, Sept 4 : Last rites of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's principal secretary P Subrahmanyam, chief security officer ASC Wesley and Group Captain S K Bhatia, who were killed along with him, were today performed in different parts of the state.
The last rites of pilot M S Reddy, who too was killed in the crash, will be performed tomorrow at Brindavanpuram in Miryiyalguda of Nalgonda district.
All the bodies were brought to the city from Kurnool yesterday after an autopsy.
Subrahmanyam's body was taken to Chemadgunta village in Nellore district where the last rites were performed this afternoon with state honours, police said.
The body of ASC Wesley was taken to Prakasam district and buried at Mamdipalem in Ongole town after state honours this evening, police said, adding the last rites of Group Captain S K Bhatia was performed in Alwal area of the city.
Friday, September 4, 2009
ALL MAJOR ROADS HAD TYPICAL ANDHRA TOMBSTONE WITH PORTRAITS OF A SMILING YSR IN A RED TURBAN "LONG LIVE RAJA"
By S A Ishaqui and Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Sept 4 :
"Ayana chanipoledu, makosam tappaka vastadu" (He is not dead, he will return for us). This was the immediate reaction of many people after the state government confirmed the death of the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, in a helicopter crash.
Many refused to believe that their leader is no more; it took them some time to recover from the shock and come to terms with the reality. Slogans like "YSR amar rahe," "Pedala pennidi, YSR," and "Badugula aashajeevi, YSR," reverberated all over the state, even as countless admirers and followers put up portraits of Dr Rajasekhar Reddy and black flags at street corners to express their love for their leader.
Every half-a-kilometre of major roads in the state had the typical Andhra tombstone with portraits of a smiling Rajasekhar Reddy in a red turban, and groups of people gathered around to mourn the leader they so obviously love. The portrait with the red turban tells it all. It encapsulated the man - a man of the masses who championed the cause of the farmer and the economically backward, the underprivileged and minorities.
"YSR jaisa aur koi nahi hoga. Garibo ko bohut madad kiya," (There will not be anyone like YSR. He helped the poor a lot) says a taxi driver, unable to control his emotions. Even those who had never met Dr Reddy personally felt a deep sadness and personal loss at his untimely death.
DR Reddy was nicknamed `Kadapa puli', and not without cause as he was quite a fiery and fierce leader, who was not afraid of demonstrating his displeasure or voicing his dissent. This earned him at first grudging, and later, real admiration. But even the people who had backed him as chief minister had underestimated his vision.
He came up with some of the most original and workable social schemes that touched many households that were socially and economically backward.
DR Reddy endeared himself to various sections of society.
"He is the first chief minister who has really done something concrete for Muslims in the last 60 years. He gave benefits to the community directly,"
says Mr Shaik Yakub Hussain, as he drives his autorickshaw that was financed through the AP Minorities Finance Corporation.
As a chief minister he was eager to turn Andhra Pradesh into a well developed state. If there was any leader in the state after N.T.
Rama Rao whose death has shocked the people so much, it's YSR's. In fact, YSR surpassed NTR in initiating populist schemes and development programmes. But, unlike NTR, Dr Reddy had no filmi charisma. He came up from the bottom of the political ladder entirely by his own efforts.
He was the only Congress chief minister of the state to have completed five years in office without any sign of dissidence. He also initiated many schemes for the uplift of the downtrodden and neglected segments of society. He was a man with an extraordinary character of coolness, trademark smile and devotion to God.
"Oka illu ichchadu, kadupu ninda bhojanam pettadu and pillala chaduvulakudabbu ichchadu. Rogavaste vaidyam cheinchadu," said Bhanothula Pulamma, one of the beneficiaries of the Indiramma scheme on the outskirts of the city. Dr Reddy's schemes centred around roti (Rs 2 a kg rice scheme), pani (irrigationJalayagnam), makaan (Indiramma housing), kaam (guaranteed employment), taleem (education-fee reimbursement), and sehat (health under Aarogyasri).
Dr Reddy took decisions that his predecessors dared not take. The Jalayagnam programme, reservations for Muslims, Arogyasri, fee waiver scheme for the underprivileged, Rs 2/kg rice scheme, free power to farmers and low interest rate for women's groups were unique welfare schemes that turned the fortunes of millions of families.
He believed in the Gandhian principle of padayatra to seek redressal of people's grievances. His 150km padayatra in Kurnool district in 1999, and the 1400-km-long padayatra under a scorching summer sun in 2003 catapulted him from a dissident leader to a political hero who cared for the have-nots. After these padayatras he was confident that the people were solidly behind him and he could take criticism in his stride. Even his political opponents vouchsafe that Dr Reddy had "turned soft" after his padayatras.
Affectionately called "Raja" by his close followers, he was a leader of the masses, who spent a lot of time with the people. He created a history of sorts when he surrendered his family's1000-acre of surplus lands to the state government.
His confidante, Mr K.V.P.
Ramachandra Rao, says that "Raja never deviated once he took a policy stand.
It was sometimes difficult for us to convince officials to do it if rules had to be bent or there were financial constraints."
He had a firm belief in the rightness of his decisions and was confident about his actions. It was this confidence that compelled him to take up Rs 60,000 crore worth of irrigation projects, even when the state exchequer was empty. His confidence-instilling words "beg, borrow or steal" have subsequently become a political trademark.
YSR's often used to say, "My mission is to make Andhra Pradesh the Annapurna of India and the IT hub of the world." Unfortunately, he left before his mission could be accomplished.
Though his many well wishers wished him a long life, Dr Reddy had said back in 2004: "I will not continue in politics after I complete 60 years." It may have been a political statement, but it has unfortunately come true.
"Raja never devi ated once he took a s e policy stand. It was sometimes difficult - for us to convince t officials to do , it if rules had to be bent or there were financial con. straints." K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao t Dr Reddy's confidante
Hyderabad, Sept 4 :
"Ayana chanipoledu, makosam tappaka vastadu" (He is not dead, he will return for us). This was the immediate reaction of many people after the state government confirmed the death of the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, in a helicopter crash.
Many refused to believe that their leader is no more; it took them some time to recover from the shock and come to terms with the reality. Slogans like "YSR amar rahe," "Pedala pennidi, YSR," and "Badugula aashajeevi, YSR," reverberated all over the state, even as countless admirers and followers put up portraits of Dr Rajasekhar Reddy and black flags at street corners to express their love for their leader.
Every half-a-kilometre of major roads in the state had the typical Andhra tombstone with portraits of a smiling Rajasekhar Reddy in a red turban, and groups of people gathered around to mourn the leader they so obviously love. The portrait with the red turban tells it all. It encapsulated the man - a man of the masses who championed the cause of the farmer and the economically backward, the underprivileged and minorities.
"YSR jaisa aur koi nahi hoga. Garibo ko bohut madad kiya," (There will not be anyone like YSR. He helped the poor a lot) says a taxi driver, unable to control his emotions. Even those who had never met Dr Reddy personally felt a deep sadness and personal loss at his untimely death.
DR Reddy was nicknamed `Kadapa puli', and not without cause as he was quite a fiery and fierce leader, who was not afraid of demonstrating his displeasure or voicing his dissent. This earned him at first grudging, and later, real admiration. But even the people who had backed him as chief minister had underestimated his vision.
He came up with some of the most original and workable social schemes that touched many households that were socially and economically backward.
DR Reddy endeared himself to various sections of society.
"He is the first chief minister who has really done something concrete for Muslims in the last 60 years. He gave benefits to the community directly,"
says Mr Shaik Yakub Hussain, as he drives his autorickshaw that was financed through the AP Minorities Finance Corporation.
As a chief minister he was eager to turn Andhra Pradesh into a well developed state. If there was any leader in the state after N.T.
Rama Rao whose death has shocked the people so much, it's YSR's. In fact, YSR surpassed NTR in initiating populist schemes and development programmes. But, unlike NTR, Dr Reddy had no filmi charisma. He came up from the bottom of the political ladder entirely by his own efforts.
He was the only Congress chief minister of the state to have completed five years in office without any sign of dissidence. He also initiated many schemes for the uplift of the downtrodden and neglected segments of society. He was a man with an extraordinary character of coolness, trademark smile and devotion to God.
"Oka illu ichchadu, kadupu ninda bhojanam pettadu and pillala chaduvulakudabbu ichchadu. Rogavaste vaidyam cheinchadu," said Bhanothula Pulamma, one of the beneficiaries of the Indiramma scheme on the outskirts of the city. Dr Reddy's schemes centred around roti (Rs 2 a kg rice scheme), pani (irrigationJalayagnam), makaan (Indiramma housing), kaam (guaranteed employment), taleem (education-fee reimbursement), and sehat (health under Aarogyasri).
Dr Reddy took decisions that his predecessors dared not take. The Jalayagnam programme, reservations for Muslims, Arogyasri, fee waiver scheme for the underprivileged, Rs 2/kg rice scheme, free power to farmers and low interest rate for women's groups were unique welfare schemes that turned the fortunes of millions of families.
He believed in the Gandhian principle of padayatra to seek redressal of people's grievances. His 150km padayatra in Kurnool district in 1999, and the 1400-km-long padayatra under a scorching summer sun in 2003 catapulted him from a dissident leader to a political hero who cared for the have-nots. After these padayatras he was confident that the people were solidly behind him and he could take criticism in his stride. Even his political opponents vouchsafe that Dr Reddy had "turned soft" after his padayatras.
Affectionately called "Raja" by his close followers, he was a leader of the masses, who spent a lot of time with the people. He created a history of sorts when he surrendered his family's1000-acre of surplus lands to the state government.
His confidante, Mr K.V.P.
Ramachandra Rao, says that "Raja never deviated once he took a policy stand.
It was sometimes difficult for us to convince officials to do it if rules had to be bent or there were financial constraints."
He had a firm belief in the rightness of his decisions and was confident about his actions. It was this confidence that compelled him to take up Rs 60,000 crore worth of irrigation projects, even when the state exchequer was empty. His confidence-instilling words "beg, borrow or steal" have subsequently become a political trademark.
YSR's often used to say, "My mission is to make Andhra Pradesh the Annapurna of India and the IT hub of the world." Unfortunately, he left before his mission could be accomplished.
Though his many well wishers wished him a long life, Dr Reddy had said back in 2004: "I will not continue in politics after I complete 60 years." It may have been a political statement, but it has unfortunately come true.
"Raja never devi ated once he took a s e policy stand. It was sometimes difficult - for us to convince t officials to do , it if rules had to be bent or there were financial con. straints." K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao t Dr Reddy's confidante
Dr P Subramanyam and his family ---->
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Sept 4 :
Last rites of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's principal secretary P Subrahmanyam, chief security officer ASC Wesley and Group Captain S K Bhatia, who were killed along with him, were today performed in different parts of the state.
The last rites of pilot M S Reddy, who too was killed in the crash, will be performed tomorrow at Brindavanpuram in Miryiyalguda of Nalgonda district.
All the bodies were brought to the city from Kurnool yesterday after an autopsy.
Subrahmanyam's body was taken to Chemadgunta village in Nellore district where the last rites were performed this afternoon with state honours, police said.
The body of ASC Wesley was taken to Prakasam district and buried at Mamdipalem in Ongole town after state honours this evening, police said, adding the last rites of Group Captain S K Bhatia was performed in Alwal area of the city.
Relatives, friends mourn CSO Wesley's demise
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Sept 3 : A pall of gloom descended at the residence of A S C Wesley, Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy who was among the five killed in the chopper crash in dense Nallamala forest area at Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
Relatives, friends and colleagues of the police officer started gathering at his residence in Shantinagar colony today after hearing the tragic death of Reddy and four others including Wesley, who was accompanying the Chief Minister.
Wesley (44) is survived by wife, a 10-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter.
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) A K Khan and other police officers visited CSO's house and paid their condolences.
Wesley, who hails from Ongole in Prakasam district, was selected as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) after appearing group-1 examination in 1998.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
48 people die of YSR shock in Andhra Pradesh
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Sept 3 : Shocked by the sudden and tragic end of their leader, 47 people died in different parts of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Six people died in East Godavari, five in Chittoor, while another YSR fan got a cardiac arrest in Vishakhapatnam. Two others died in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
Daily wager B Padma (44), a Rajiv Arogyasri benefactor, from Vanamalla in Punganur, collapsed on hearing the news of YSR's death at 10 am and died. Parvathamma (22), from Kummaragunta village in Punganur mandal, too died of shock. An ardent fan of YSR, N Raja Reddy, 52, a shopkeeper in Piler, died of cardiac arrest as soon as he saw YSR's death on television. "The people around him tried to resuscitate him, but he was declared brought dead by doctors at a hospital,'' a relative said.
A farmer from Kadapa, Narsaiah (75), who came to Piler on personal work along with his wife and children two days ago, died of cardiac arrest after hearing the tragic news. In Durgasamudram, Shankaramma (37), a daily wage labourer, who recently underwent a heart surgery under Arogyasri, died at around 6 pm.
A degree student, Laxminarayana (19), studying in Chittoor Government Degree College, consumed pesticide. "My son could not take the sad news and resorted to the extreme step,'' his weeping mother C Lakshmamma said. The family hail from Chowdepalle mandal.
In East Godavari, six people died in the aftermath of YSR's death, while former minister Jakkampudi Ramamohan Rao fainted upon hearing the news. Four died of heart attack, two others hanged themselves unable to bear the grief. According to district police, N Yesubabu (20), of Narendrapuram in Rajanagaram mandal and Achanta Ramakrishna (48), of Nagaram in Mamidikuduru mandal committed suicide.
According reports reached here the state capital this nights , several others were died due heart attack after they hear the news of sad demise of their beloved leader. As many as 14 persons reportedly committed suicide shocked by the sudden and tragic end of their leader Dr Y S R Reddy.
Hyderabad, Sept 3 : Shocked by the sudden and tragic end of their leader, 47 people died in different parts of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Six people died in East Godavari, five in Chittoor, while another YSR fan got a cardiac arrest in Vishakhapatnam. Two others died in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
Daily wager B Padma (44), a Rajiv Arogyasri benefactor, from Vanamalla in Punganur, collapsed on hearing the news of YSR's death at 10 am and died. Parvathamma (22), from Kummaragunta village in Punganur mandal, too died of shock. An ardent fan of YSR, N Raja Reddy, 52, a shopkeeper in Piler, died of cardiac arrest as soon as he saw YSR's death on television. "The people around him tried to resuscitate him, but he was declared brought dead by doctors at a hospital,'' a relative said.
A farmer from Kadapa, Narsaiah (75), who came to Piler on personal work along with his wife and children two days ago, died of cardiac arrest after hearing the tragic news. In Durgasamudram, Shankaramma (37), a daily wage labourer, who recently underwent a heart surgery under Arogyasri, died at around 6 pm.
A degree student, Laxminarayana (19), studying in Chittoor Government Degree College, consumed pesticide. "My son could not take the sad news and resorted to the extreme step,'' his weeping mother C Lakshmamma said. The family hail from Chowdepalle mandal.
In East Godavari, six people died in the aftermath of YSR's death, while former minister Jakkampudi Ramamohan Rao fainted upon hearing the news. Four died of heart attack, two others hanged themselves unable to bear the grief. According to district police, N Yesubabu (20), of Narendrapuram in Rajanagaram mandal and Achanta Ramakrishna (48), of Nagaram in Mamidikuduru mandal committed suicide.
According reports reached here the state capital this nights , several others were died due heart attack after they hear the news of sad demise of their beloved leader. As many as 14 persons reportedly committed suicide shocked by the sudden and tragic end of their leader Dr Y S R Reddy.
Thousands gather to take last glimpse of YSR
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Sept 3 : Thousands of mourners gathered on Thursday outside Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's camp office here at Somajiguda to have a last glimpse of the charismatic leader who died in a helicopter crash.
A large number of Congress workers, supporters and politicians across the spectrum, including TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, visited the camp office-cum residence of the Chief Minister where the mortal remains of Reddy were kept after being brought from the crash site.
Naidu, along with his son Lokesh, placed a wreath on his body. Praja Rajyam leader Chiranjeevi, TRS MP Vijayshanti, CPI State Secretary K Naryana and Telugu film stars were among those who paid their tributes to YSR.
People consoled YSR's son and Kadapa MP Jagan Mohan Reddy who stood beside the casket along with Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramchandra Rao, a close aide of Reddy.
Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy and her ministerial colleagues were also present.
Earlier, the mortal remains of Reddy and four others were brought to old Begumpet Airport here by an Indian Air Force helicopter this evening from Kurnool district.
A huge crowd of mourners followed the cavalcade carrying the body of Reddy towards the camp office
The bodies of Reddy, his Principal Secretary P Subrahmanyam, Chief Security Officer A S C Wesley, Pilot S K Bhatia and co-pilot M S Reddy were brought from Kurnool after an autopsy.
Reddy along with Subrahmanyam, Wesley and the two pilots were on board the twin-engined government helicopter that crashed in Nallamala forest in Kurnool yesterday.
The body of the chief minister will be kept in the L B Shastri Stadium here tomorrow to allow the general public to pay their last respects before being taken to his native village in Pulivendula in Kadapa district for final rites.
Meanwhile, the bodies of Subrahmanyam, Wesely, pilot Bhatia and co-pilot M S Reddy were also shifted from the old Begumpet Airport to their residences in Somajiguda, Shanti Nagar, Yapral in Bollarum area and Vidya Nagar areas respectively.
Later, the body of Wesely was taken to his native place Adanki in Prakasam district.
Meanwhile, former state home minister Janna Reddy, BJP State President Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP MLA Kishen Reddy and Congress leader Sarve Satyanaryan paid a visit to co-pilot M S Reddy's house and consoled his family members.
Hyderabad, Sept 3 : Thousands of mourners gathered on Thursday outside Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's camp office here at Somajiguda to have a last glimpse of the charismatic leader who died in a helicopter crash.
A large number of Congress workers, supporters and politicians across the spectrum, including TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, visited the camp office-cum residence of the Chief Minister where the mortal remains of Reddy were kept after being brought from the crash site.
Naidu, along with his son Lokesh, placed a wreath on his body. Praja Rajyam leader Chiranjeevi, TRS MP Vijayshanti, CPI State Secretary K Naryana and Telugu film stars were among those who paid their tributes to YSR.
People consoled YSR's son and Kadapa MP Jagan Mohan Reddy who stood beside the casket along with Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramchandra Rao, a close aide of Reddy.
Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy and her ministerial colleagues were also present.
Earlier, the mortal remains of Reddy and four others were brought to old Begumpet Airport here by an Indian Air Force helicopter this evening from Kurnool district.
A huge crowd of mourners followed the cavalcade carrying the body of Reddy towards the camp office
The bodies of Reddy, his Principal Secretary P Subrahmanyam, Chief Security Officer A S C Wesley, Pilot S K Bhatia and co-pilot M S Reddy were brought from Kurnool after an autopsy.
Reddy along with Subrahmanyam, Wesley and the two pilots were on board the twin-engined government helicopter that crashed in Nallamala forest in Kurnool yesterday.
The body of the chief minister will be kept in the L B Shastri Stadium here tomorrow to allow the general public to pay their last respects before being taken to his native village in Pulivendula in Kadapa district for final rites.
Meanwhile, the bodies of Subrahmanyam, Wesely, pilot Bhatia and co-pilot M S Reddy were also shifted from the old Begumpet Airport to their residences in Somajiguda, Shanti Nagar, Yapral in Bollarum area and Vidya Nagar areas respectively.
Later, the body of Wesely was taken to his native place Adanki in Prakasam district.
Meanwhile, former state home minister Janna Reddy, BJP State President Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP MLA Kishen Reddy and Congress leader Sarve Satyanaryan paid a visit to co-pilot M S Reddy's house and consoled his family members.
YSR dead : Jagan is likely to new CM of Andhra Pradesh
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Sept 3 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and four others were killed when their helicopter crashed on a hillock, about 74 km east of Kurnool, more than an hour it took off on Wednesday morning (8.30 am).
The charred bodies of 60-year-old Reddy and others and the wreckage of the twin-engined Bell 430 helicopter were located at 8.30 am today on a hillock.
YSR's body has been brought to Hyderabad from Kurnool after post-mortem.
The helicopter had deviated 18 km from its planned flight path. It took off from Hyderabad's Begumpet airport at approximately 8:38 am and remained in contact with the air traffic controller (ATC) in Hyderabad up to 9:13 am.
The helicopter was then supposed to switch over to communication with the Chennai ATC. It sent out signals to the Chennai ATC but lost radio contact soon after.
The helicopter appeared to have hit a tree, crashed and perhaps exploded. Chopper had deviated 18 km from its regular path. The bodies were charred and were in a state of getting decomposed because of incessant rain in the area, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Ramakanth Reddy said.
Others who died in the crash were Special Secretary P Subramanyam, Chief Secretary A S C Wesley, pilot Group Captain S K Bhatia and co-pilot M S Reddy.
People who were with YSR
There were four more people on board the helicopter carrying Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, which went missing on Wednesday morning.
Dr P Subrahmanyam
He was the principal secretary of Andhra Pradesh and one of the seniormost IAS officers in the state. He has been working at the chief minister's office for nearly five years
Captain S.K. Bhatia
The helicopter was flying under his command. He was endorsed with the type Bell 430 in June 2007, and had flying experience of more than 5,600 hours
Captain M.S. Reddy
He was the co-pilot of the chopper. He was endorsed with the type Bell 430 in January 2009, and had more than 3,200 hours of total flying experience, says the DGCA
ASC Wesley
He was the chief security officer of the chief minister. He does not come from the IPS and joined the chief minister's office just two months ago
Kadapa to be renamed
The Andhra Cabinet decided that Kadapa district will be renamed after the late chief minister. It will be called YSR district.
Gloom descended across the state as soon as news of YSR's death came in. Shops, theatres and restaurants shut down voluntarily in many districts.
Jagan is new CM of AP
With the sudden death of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, his supporters have initiated a campaign for making his son YS Jagan Mohan Reddy the new Chief Minister amidst a hunt for the successor.
While Jagan Mohan's name was being assiduously pushed, there are some other names including those of union minister S Jaipal Reddy and APCC president B Srinivas which have also cropped up as contenders in the race.
As senior most leader K Rosaiah was today sworn-in as Chief Minister, Union Law Minister and AICC in-charge for the state Veerappa Moily said it was only an "interim arrangement".
Shortly after he was sworn-in, Rosaiah met ministers of the Reddy Cabinet informally. Party sources said they all pressed for making Jagan Mohan Reddy, a first time member of the Lok Sabha, the Chief Minister.
Nearly 10 ministers openly campaigned for Jagan Mohan Reddy to be made the Chief Minister, saying his successor should be "a person who thinks on the lines of YSE and cares for the poor."
A signature campaign is also said to have been initiated by the ruling party's Chief Whip in the Assembly B Vikramarka backing their demand.
Those, who openly pushed Jagan Mohan's case, include Major Irrigation Minister P Lakshmiah, Health Minister D Nagender, Women and Child Welfare Minister K Surekha, Small Scale Industries Minister D K Aruna, Forest Minister P Ramachandra Reddy and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Mukesh Goud.
The Forest Minister even threatened to split the party if it comes to that.
Even as huge crowds of mourners collected in front of Reddy's house, some were seen displaying placards in support of Jagan Mohan as the next Chief Minister. "We want Jagan as CM," read one of them.
Congress sources said among the options being considered by the High Command is the need to choose a successor who will also be from the dominant Reddy community. And in that case, the choice has to be on whether continuing with YSR's legacy by opting for his son or go for experience.
Some sections said even Rosaiah could not be ruled out in view of his association with the party for decades and experience as Minister in various governments.
On Rosaiah being sworn in, Moily told reporters "this is only an interim arrangement to respond to certain Constitutional obligations. This arrangement will continue till the Congress Legislature Party meets and elects its new leader."
Congress sources in Delhi said the CLP meeting would be held after the mourning period.
Reddy's funeral on Friday
Reddy's funeral will take place in his hometown in Pulivendala in Kadappa district in southern Andhra Pradesh tomorrow.
A state holiday has been declared in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. Meanwhile, Punjab also has declared a two-day state mourning. Closure of government offices and educational institutions has been ordered.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Ms Sonia Gandhi are expected to go to Andhra Pradesh on Friday.
"It's a huge loss for the Congress. He was a man with a vision. All Congressmen and the people of Andhra Pradesh will remember him," said
Congress president Ms Sonia Gandhi .
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said "the Congress has lost a tall leader. YSR launched many welfare programmes for the people of Andhra Pradesh".
In Guntur district, a man committed suicide by consuming pesticide. Another man died of a heart attack in the same district after learning of YSR's death.
Y S Rajasekhar Reddy no more
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, August 3 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and four other persons were killed in the helicopter that crashed in the Nallamala Hills in bad weather on Wednesday losing radio contact an hour after take off from Hyderabad.
The bodies of Dr Rajasekhar Reddy (60),his Principal Secretary S Subramanyam, Chief Security Officer A S C Wesley, pilot Group Captain S K Bhatia and co-pilot M S Reddy were found on Rudrakonda Hill, 40 nautical miles east of Kurnool.
His Bell 430 chopper went down in bad weather.Army commandos recovered the bodies of all the five people including the Chief Minister who were on board the twin-engine Bell chopper.
An Indian Air Force helicopter had on Thursday morning located the mangled remains of the helicopter.
The news of the tragedy filtered out after a meeting of the Congress core group at the Prime Minister's residence, but fears had been growing since Wednesday night when search operations to locate the missing chopper were unsuccessful.
The helicopter took off at 8.35 am from the old Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister was on his way to Chittoor, for a function when his helicopter went missing in inclement weather around 9.30 am on Wednesday in the dense Nallamalla forests.
Police said the bodies were identified by their clothes as they were charred beyond recognition in the crash.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
AP High Court ignore early fire warnings
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Aug. 31: The consumption of power in excess of installed capacity is reported to have caused the short circuit that led to the blaze in the AP High Court.
The Chief Justice Anil R. Dave met the full court and decided to constitute a judges’ committee to probe into the cause of the mishap and suggest safety measures.
The decision came after a briefing by a Transco official that the capacity of the cable installed at the HC was 150 KV, whereas it was consuming more than 400 KV per day.
The CJ discussed the lapses while citing a letter send to the fire services department recently, and asked the judges’ committee to look into the aspect during the probe and suggest measures.
A Transco official said, “We had informed the administrative authorities that excess withdrawal of power causes melting of cables and it becomes vulnerable to short circuit.”
Sources said three minor mishaps occurred on the court premises in the last four months due to overheating and melting of cables, one of which was in the CJ’s court.
Three weeks ago, an airconditioner got burnt in the Chief Justice’s court when he was conducting proceedings. On the ground floor a cable exploded outside of the court hall No.14
Hyderabad,Aug. 31: The consumption of power in excess of installed capacity is reported to have caused the short circuit that led to the blaze in the AP High Court.
The Chief Justice Anil R. Dave met the full court and decided to constitute a judges’ committee to probe into the cause of the mishap and suggest safety measures.
The decision came after a briefing by a Transco official that the capacity of the cable installed at the HC was 150 KV, whereas it was consuming more than 400 KV per day.
The CJ discussed the lapses while citing a letter send to the fire services department recently, and asked the judges’ committee to look into the aspect during the probe and suggest measures.
A Transco official said, “We had informed the administrative authorities that excess withdrawal of power causes melting of cables and it becomes vulnerable to short circuit.”
Sources said three minor mishaps occurred on the court premises in the last four months due to overheating and melting of cables, one of which was in the CJ’s court.
Three weeks ago, an airconditioner got burnt in the Chief Justice’s court when he was conducting proceedings. On the ground floor a cable exploded outside of the court hall No.14
AP High Court up in flames
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug 31: A major fire that broke out in the 90-year-old AP High Court building on Monday shook the authorities rudely as the very stability of the historic structure is threatened by the inferno.
Structural engineers, who visited the spot, later briefed Chief Justice Anil R Dave that the fire caused extensive damage to the walls of the central part of the building. They suggested against the use of the court halls located on
the first and the ground floors of the building till they submitted the final report on Thursday.
The experts detailed the damage to the judges in a full court meeting held at the administrative building soon after the fire mishap.
As many as 10 chambers including six used by judges, the Registrar-General of the High court's chamber, a judges lounge, mini conference hall and a library of judges located on the first and the second floors of the building were destroyed in fire. A court hall (court No. 7 ) adjoining the conference hall was also damaged. However, none was injured in the mishap.
The library, which had an extensive collection of books, many of which are considered highly valuable, bore the brunt of the mishap.
Sources in the judiciary told this correspondent that the library had the rarest
collection of England Law Reports, Privy Council Journals and a lifesize portrait of the Nizam and portraits of judges.
The imported furniture of antique value and two big alarms brought from England as also decorative chandeliers housed in the library were gutted.
However, the registrar-general said the records of the High Court are "absolutely safe". The fire had not touched the records.
Following the mishap, holiday has been declared for the High Court on August 31 and
September 1. The Registrar-eneral said arrangements are made to take up urgent matters as and when moved. He said the High Court will regularly function from September 2.
According to judicial authorities, the fire broke out on the second floor located in the central part of the building at about 4.40 am. A security guard and a watchman of the court noticed the fire and informed the sub-inspector of the special protection force on the night duty. Special Protection Force is looking after the
security of the building.
Sub-Inspector Brahama Chary informed the fire services at 4.50 am and fire tenders rushed to the spot within 15 minutes after receiving the information.
About 15 fire brigades were pressed into service to extinguish the flames. The fire was brought under the control by at 7.30 am, said the registrar-general.
The authorities said initial reports suggested that it was caused by an electric
short-circuit. However, top officials of the police and the fire department are trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.
Forensic department experts collected samples from the spot to find out what had caused the mishap.
This is said to be the first major fire accident in the AP High Court since it started functioning on April 20, 1920.The construction started on April 15, 1915 and was completed on March 31, 1919. The High Court building was inaugurated by Nizam VII.
The High Court stands on the south bank of the River Musi. This is one of the finest
buildings in the city, built in red and white stones in Saracenic style, by Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan.
The Chief Justice visited the spot at 5.15 am and later Governor ND Tiwari, and ministers Ms Sabita Indira Reddy,Mr Danam Nagender, and Mr M Venkata Ramana and city police commissioner Mr B Prasada Rao and Ms Aruna Bahuguna, director-general of fire services are visited the spot. A case was lodged in the Charminar police station by the High court authorities.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
AP High Court seeks Icet admission details
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug. 28: The AP High Court on Friday sought a report on the counselling conducted by the consortium of private unaided minority professional colleges for Icet admissions.
A division bench comprising Justice B. Prakasha Rao and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar directed the observers appointed by the Admissions and Fee Regulatory Committee (AFRC) to submit their reports to the court about the transparency of admissions being undertaken by the Consortium of Minority Educational Institutions for the MBA and MCA courses.
The court was dealing with a petition filed by Minorities Rights Protection Committee, represented by its general secretary, Mr Fasiudin.
The petitioner complained the court that the Consortium and its constituent colleges have indulged in large scale irregularities while making admission to MBA and MCA courses in 2008-09 academic year.
Inquiry into Dalit attack
Justice B.K. Somasekhara, who is heading a commission of inquiry to investigate the reasons behind the attacks on Christians in Mangalore and other parts of Karnataka, will hold a sitting of his commission at the AP High Court on Saturday. He will record the deposition of a writer whose ideas too have played some role in the whole episode.
Justice Somasekhara will sit in the court hall No. 33 of the HC. Justice Somasekhara was appointed by the state government of Karnataka to inquire into the attacks on Christians occurred in September 2008 in Dakshina Karnataka and other districts in the state.
Petition on religious grant
A writ petition was filed in the AP High Court on Friday challenging the action of the government in providing financial aid and assistance for construction of churches, mosques, or any other religious places including repairs, maintenance or renovation of those places.
Mr T. Hanuman Chowdary, a city resident, filed the petition seeking a direction to declare the action of the government in promoting the interests of Christians by extending grant-in-aid for construction and maintenance of institutions belonging to Christians as unconstitutional. The petitioner said the action of the government was violative of Article 14, 25, 26, 27, 266 and 283 of the Constitution.
Hyderabad, Aug. 28: The AP High Court on Friday sought a report on the counselling conducted by the consortium of private unaided minority professional colleges for Icet admissions.
A division bench comprising Justice B. Prakasha Rao and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar directed the observers appointed by the Admissions and Fee Regulatory Committee (AFRC) to submit their reports to the court about the transparency of admissions being undertaken by the Consortium of Minority Educational Institutions for the MBA and MCA courses.
The court was dealing with a petition filed by Minorities Rights Protection Committee, represented by its general secretary, Mr Fasiudin.
The petitioner complained the court that the Consortium and its constituent colleges have indulged in large scale irregularities while making admission to MBA and MCA courses in 2008-09 academic year.
Inquiry into Dalit attack
Justice B.K. Somasekhara, who is heading a commission of inquiry to investigate the reasons behind the attacks on Christians in Mangalore and other parts of Karnataka, will hold a sitting of his commission at the AP High Court on Saturday. He will record the deposition of a writer whose ideas too have played some role in the whole episode.
Justice Somasekhara will sit in the court hall No. 33 of the HC. Justice Somasekhara was appointed by the state government of Karnataka to inquire into the attacks on Christians occurred in September 2008 in Dakshina Karnataka and other districts in the state.
Petition on religious grant
A writ petition was filed in the AP High Court on Friday challenging the action of the government in providing financial aid and assistance for construction of churches, mosques, or any other religious places including repairs, maintenance or renovation of those places.
Mr T. Hanuman Chowdary, a city resident, filed the petition seeking a direction to declare the action of the government in promoting the interests of Christians by extending grant-in-aid for construction and maintenance of institutions belonging to Christians as unconstitutional. The petitioner said the action of the government was violative of Article 14, 25, 26, 27, 266 and 283 of the Constitution.
Set right TTD affairs
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Aug 28 : Three separate petitions were filed at the AP High Court on Friday seeking to set right the affairs of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Professor D. Manohar Rao, retired professor of Genetics department of Osmania University and three others filed the petitions urging the court to dissolve the existing Board and constitute a new board under Section 96 of the Act 30 of 1987.
The petitioners also asked the court to declare all the decisions taken by the TTD Board from 1991, other than policy matters, as invalid and ultra vires.
They requested the court to appoint a committee comprising experts to ensure that the interests of the Lord Venkateswara temple and its properties are protected.
Hyderabad,Aug 28 : Three separate petitions were filed at the AP High Court on Friday seeking to set right the affairs of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Professor D. Manohar Rao, retired professor of Genetics department of Osmania University and three others filed the petitions urging the court to dissolve the existing Board and constitute a new board under Section 96 of the Act 30 of 1987.
The petitioners also asked the court to declare all the decisions taken by the TTD Board from 1991, other than policy matters, as invalid and ultra vires.
They requested the court to appoint a committee comprising experts to ensure that the interests of the Lord Venkateswara temple and its properties are protected.
Friday, August 28, 2009
AP High Court sets new date to count Lord Balaji assets
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug 27 : The AP High Court on Thursday rejected the plea of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam executive offficer that he is unable to attribute the failure in ensuring annual verification of audit of the assests of the temples under the control of the TTD to the state government or the TTD.
Mr IYR Krishna Rao, the EO of the TTD in his undertaking submitted to the court explained that the TTD is prepared to submit master list as directed by the High Court, but he cannot attribute the failure either to TTD or the state government as he is being paid by the TTD and the state government.
He suggested in his affidavit that since he falls under the administrative purview of the TTD executive board and the endowments department,it is better if the answers are sought straight from the two agencies.
He urged the court to modify the order, as far as attributing the failure to the TTD or state government by entrusting this task to any other appropriate authority.
He also urged the court to grant to two months time after the completion Brahomostavam to prepare master list of the TTD assets.
A division bench comprising Justice Goda Raghuram and Justice Ramesh Ranganathan rejecting the plea of the EO entrusting the job of identifying the failure on the part of TTD or the state government,observed that the government cannot shirk its responsibilities saying that he has been working under the TTD.
It said that he could be more assertive because he was protected by the TTD and also by the constitution by virtue of his position as an IAS officer.
The bench fixed a new deadline for the completion of the verification of the assets under the control of the TTD including movable and immovable properties in the state and other parts of the country .
The court directed the TTD to complete to verification and audit of the TTD assets having in state by the end of October 31 and submit it to the court in a sealed cover on the day.
The judges also directed the EO to complete the verification of assets TTD is having in other parts of the country by November 30, and submit the report to the court.
The bench further directed the EO to come out with the current value of the diamonds and other jewellery apart from mentioning their weight,caratage, purity particulars.
Mr S R Ashok, senior counsel who appeared on behalf of the TTD told the bench the authorities might have mentioned the values of the articles as they were shown in the books. These entries were in accordance with the rates prevailing at the time of their offering.
He contended that some of the diamonds depict lesser value because they were offered to the deity during the time of Kings and kingdoms and their value entered at that time minus depreciation must have been the reason for the less value depiction.
Mr S Ramachandra Rao, senior counsel who appeared on behalf Mr Bezavada Govinda Reddy, the petitioner, objected to the way the authorities were showing shockingly lesser value for the lost jewellery of the lord.
He said three pearls which were lost were valued at Rs 30, four diamonds cost was shown as Rs 500 per diamond and the value of the 5 white stones was put at ten rupees per pearl.
He said that his client was subjected to threats by some unidentified persons after he filing the petition on irregularities which are taking place in the TTD.
Responding to this the judge said that they have seen some news reports with regard to this and directed the petitioner to file an affidavit within two weeks explaining the details of the threatening and inducement he is facing for withdrawing the writ petitions.
The court also directed the OSD of the TTD Mr Seshadri to file an affidavit within two weeks regarding the cracks and breaking noted on Ruby of the Lord in 1999.
The case was posted to September 14 for further hearing.
Hyderabad, Aug 27 : The AP High Court on Thursday rejected the plea of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam executive offficer that he is unable to attribute the failure in ensuring annual verification of audit of the assests of the temples under the control of the TTD to the state government or the TTD.
Mr IYR Krishna Rao, the EO of the TTD in his undertaking submitted to the court explained that the TTD is prepared to submit master list as directed by the High Court, but he cannot attribute the failure either to TTD or the state government as he is being paid by the TTD and the state government.
He suggested in his affidavit that since he falls under the administrative purview of the TTD executive board and the endowments department,it is better if the answers are sought straight from the two agencies.
He urged the court to modify the order, as far as attributing the failure to the TTD or state government by entrusting this task to any other appropriate authority.
He also urged the court to grant to two months time after the completion Brahomostavam to prepare master list of the TTD assets.
A division bench comprising Justice Goda Raghuram and Justice Ramesh Ranganathan rejecting the plea of the EO entrusting the job of identifying the failure on the part of TTD or the state government,observed that the government cannot shirk its responsibilities saying that he has been working under the TTD.
It said that he could be more assertive because he was protected by the TTD and also by the constitution by virtue of his position as an IAS officer.
The bench fixed a new deadline for the completion of the verification of the assets under the control of the TTD including movable and immovable properties in the state and other parts of the country .
The court directed the TTD to complete to verification and audit of the TTD assets having in state by the end of October 31 and submit it to the court in a sealed cover on the day.
The judges also directed the EO to complete the verification of assets TTD is having in other parts of the country by November 30, and submit the report to the court.
The bench further directed the EO to come out with the current value of the diamonds and other jewellery apart from mentioning their weight,caratage, purity particulars.
Mr S R Ashok, senior counsel who appeared on behalf of the TTD told the bench the authorities might have mentioned the values of the articles as they were shown in the books. These entries were in accordance with the rates prevailing at the time of their offering.
He contended that some of the diamonds depict lesser value because they were offered to the deity during the time of Kings and kingdoms and their value entered at that time minus depreciation must have been the reason for the less value depiction.
Mr S Ramachandra Rao, senior counsel who appeared on behalf Mr Bezavada Govinda Reddy, the petitioner, objected to the way the authorities were showing shockingly lesser value for the lost jewellery of the lord.
He said three pearls which were lost were valued at Rs 30, four diamonds cost was shown as Rs 500 per diamond and the value of the 5 white stones was put at ten rupees per pearl.
He said that his client was subjected to threats by some unidentified persons after he filing the petition on irregularities which are taking place in the TTD.
Responding to this the judge said that they have seen some news reports with regard to this and directed the petitioner to file an affidavit within two weeks explaining the details of the threatening and inducement he is facing for withdrawing the writ petitions.
The court also directed the OSD of the TTD Mr Seshadri to file an affidavit within two weeks regarding the cracks and breaking noted on Ruby of the Lord in 1999.
The case was posted to September 14 for further hearing.
Hi-tech alarm to protect Balaji jewels
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Aug. 27: The precious ornaments of Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala will soon get Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protection from thefts and misappropriation. Under the system being readied by the city- based Electronics Corporation Of India Ltd, an alarm will be triggered when ornaments are removed from the temple premises.
The technology is so tamper proof that if someone attempts to detach the radio frequency identity tags from the jewellery, a loud siren will be heard. It will also alert the store administrator in case ornaments go missing. The ECIL will also give identification number for the ornaments, which will be labelled by a security hologram. Further, it will prepare a database containing description of the ornaments and information of donors and their addresses.
After gold dollars went missing from the treasury at Tirumala, the government had appointed the Justice M. Jagannadha Rao commission to recommend ways to protect the jewellery at the temples.
The commission, which examined steps taken by the TTD for the security of jewellery and valuables, suggested foolproof measures to prevent recurrence of theft.
Hyderabad,Aug. 27: The precious ornaments of Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala will soon get Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protection from thefts and misappropriation. Under the system being readied by the city- based Electronics Corporation Of India Ltd, an alarm will be triggered when ornaments are removed from the temple premises.
The technology is so tamper proof that if someone attempts to detach the radio frequency identity tags from the jewellery, a loud siren will be heard. It will also alert the store administrator in case ornaments go missing. The ECIL will also give identification number for the ornaments, which will be labelled by a security hologram. Further, it will prepare a database containing description of the ornaments and information of donors and their addresses.
After gold dollars went missing from the treasury at Tirumala, the government had appointed the Justice M. Jagannadha Rao commission to recommend ways to protect the jewellery at the temples.
The commission, which examined steps taken by the TTD for the security of jewellery and valuables, suggested foolproof measures to prevent recurrence of theft.
Friday, August 21, 2009
CAT cancels transfer of Shafiquzzaman
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Aug. 20: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Thursday struck down an order issued by the government transferring the senior IAS officer, Mr Mohammad Shafiquzzaman, as commissioner of inquiries.
The CAT directed the government to let him continue in his present post as managing director of the AP State Warehousing Corporation until he is transferred to a legally created cadre post or a post which is within the permissible limit of the state deputation reserve.
The CAT bench comprising its vice-chairman, Justice P. Lakshmana Reddy, and administration member, Mr R. Santhanam, while delivering the order on the petition filed by Mr Shafiquzzaman challenging his transfer, found fault with the way the state administration transferred him in a hasty manner violating their earlier order.
The bench after examining the records held that the post of commissioner of inquiries is only a secretary cadre p. It ruled that Mr Shafiquzzaman, who is a principal secretary rank officer cannot be transferred into a secretary cadre post.
HC refuses bail for Kampani
Justice B. Seshasayana Reddy of the High Court on Thursday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Mr Nimesh N. Kampani, financial consultant and former promoter-director of Nagarjuna Finance Ltd (NFL) in the case of misappropriation of deposits of the company. The court was not impressed with Mr Kampani’s offer that he is ready to deposit Rs 1 crore with the court as security and surrender his passport. The judge had on Tuesday called for a report from the police about the investigation with reference to the role of Mr Kampani. He perused the records on Thursday and felt that Mr Kampani may not be given any anticipatory bail now.
HC: Beautify Ashoor Khana
A division bench comprising Justice T. Meena Kumari and Justice G.V. Seethapathy of the High Court on Thursday directed the authorities to restore and take up beautification of the Badshahi Ashoor Khana, a protected monument, Naqarkhana and other constructions in Patherghatti.
The revenue department informed the court on Thursday that all the illegal encroachments were removed from the site on Wednesday. The case was posted to Monday.
NCC quota in MBBS stayed
The AP High Court on Thursday suspended the operation of GO Ms. No. 152 issued on July 21 providing reservation for NCC cadets holding C certificates in MBBS and BDS admissions. The court while dealing with a petition directed the government not to implement the GO for this academic year as it was issued after the notification of the counselling.
Hyderabad,Aug. 20: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Thursday struck down an order issued by the government transferring the senior IAS officer, Mr Mohammad Shafiquzzaman, as commissioner of inquiries.
The CAT directed the government to let him continue in his present post as managing director of the AP State Warehousing Corporation until he is transferred to a legally created cadre post or a post which is within the permissible limit of the state deputation reserve.
The CAT bench comprising its vice-chairman, Justice P. Lakshmana Reddy, and administration member, Mr R. Santhanam, while delivering the order on the petition filed by Mr Shafiquzzaman challenging his transfer, found fault with the way the state administration transferred him in a hasty manner violating their earlier order.
The bench after examining the records held that the post of commissioner of inquiries is only a secretary cadre p. It ruled that Mr Shafiquzzaman, who is a principal secretary rank officer cannot be transferred into a secretary cadre post.
HC refuses bail for Kampani
Justice B. Seshasayana Reddy of the High Court on Thursday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Mr Nimesh N. Kampani, financial consultant and former promoter-director of Nagarjuna Finance Ltd (NFL) in the case of misappropriation of deposits of the company. The court was not impressed with Mr Kampani’s offer that he is ready to deposit Rs 1 crore with the court as security and surrender his passport. The judge had on Tuesday called for a report from the police about the investigation with reference to the role of Mr Kampani. He perused the records on Thursday and felt that Mr Kampani may not be given any anticipatory bail now.
HC: Beautify Ashoor Khana
A division bench comprising Justice T. Meena Kumari and Justice G.V. Seethapathy of the High Court on Thursday directed the authorities to restore and take up beautification of the Badshahi Ashoor Khana, a protected monument, Naqarkhana and other constructions in Patherghatti.
The revenue department informed the court on Thursday that all the illegal encroachments were removed from the site on Wednesday. The case was posted to Monday.
NCC quota in MBBS stayed
The AP High Court on Thursday suspended the operation of GO Ms. No. 152 issued on July 21 providing reservation for NCC cadets holding C certificates in MBBS and BDS admissions. The court while dealing with a petition directed the government not to implement the GO for this academic year as it was issued after the notification of the counselling.
List jewels of Lord, AP court tells TTD
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Aug. 20: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to submit a comprehensive inventory of its assets including jewellery within two months.
A division bench comprising Justice G. Raghuram and Justice R. Ranganathan granted seven days to the TTD executive officer to submit an undertaking. The bench was dealing with a petition filed by Mr Bezawada Govinda Reddy, a Congress leader of Nellore district, who alleged that the valuable jewellery was being misappropriated.
Though the TTD’s counsel, Mr S.R. Ashok, volunteered to disclose more if the session was held in the judges’ chambers, the bench turned it down and said it will not hear anything “which is not publicly consumable.”
The court had directed the TTD on August 3 to place before it the inventory of the entire jewellery of the Tirumala temple as well as the other temples under it, but the TTD failed to produce the comprehensive list. Instead, it submitted a book containing the details of some jewels but the bench was not satisfied and asked for a master list of all jewellery, precious and semi precious stones
Hyderabad,Aug. 20: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to submit a comprehensive inventory of its assets including jewellery within two months.
A division bench comprising Justice G. Raghuram and Justice R. Ranganathan granted seven days to the TTD executive officer to submit an undertaking. The bench was dealing with a petition filed by Mr Bezawada Govinda Reddy, a Congress leader of Nellore district, who alleged that the valuable jewellery was being misappropriated.
Though the TTD’s counsel, Mr S.R. Ashok, volunteered to disclose more if the session was held in the judges’ chambers, the bench turned it down and said it will not hear anything “which is not publicly consumable.”
The court had directed the TTD on August 3 to place before it the inventory of the entire jewellery of the Tirumala temple as well as the other temples under it, but the TTD failed to produce the comprehensive list. Instead, it submitted a book containing the details of some jewels but the bench was not satisfied and asked for a master list of all jewellery, precious and semi precious stones
Thursday, August 20, 2009
AP High Court stays filling up of port posts
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Aug. 19: A division bench of the AP High Court on Wednesday stayed the filling of 49 posts in Gangavaram port, Visakhapatnam, from the list of displaced fishermen.
The petition filed by Ganagavaram Sampradaya Mastyakarula Sangam informed the court that a list of 317 fishermen was initially prepared but later another list of 717 people was made based on a directive from the Lok Ayukta.
The petitioner contended that the Lok Ayukta does not have jurisdiction to pass such an order.
HC stays eviction
Justice C.V. Ramulu of the AP High Court on Wednesday stayed an order issued by the tahsildar of Kothapatnam mandal in Prakasam district, directing eviction of 300 farmers from their salt pans in Motumanda village.
The farmers told the court that they had been manufacturing salt in the pans for three decades and the tahsildar passed orders in order to evict them from their land stating that the land was required to set up industrial units.
They said the authorities had tried to evict them from the land in 1988, but the court stayed the attempt.
The court also directed the revenue authorities not to displace them until further orders.
Top cop told to explain
The AP High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the deputy inspector-general of the Special Protection Force, Mr Yesuratnam, asking him to file his reply on a petition that challenged his exoneration in an ACB case.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Mr Kasireddy Srinivasulu of Hyderabad, who complained that the government was “lenient” towards the officer.
He told the court that though the DIG was caught in a disproportionate assets case, the government did not grant the required permission to ACB to prosecute him. He said that the government planned to close the matter with a departmental probe.
The state government in its reply told the court that it has the discretion to drop a case. The bench, not satisfied with the government’s response issued a notice to the DIG and asking him to explain his version by September 2.
CBI told to halt tests
The CBI on Wednesday informed the AP High Court that conducting polygraph and brain mapping tests on the accused in Satyam scam was not unconstitutional.
CBI counsel, Mr T. Niranjan Reddy, contended that to unearth the diversion of funds, these tests were essential.
The court directed CBI not to conduct tests on Ramalinga Raju, his brother, Rama Raju, and the CFO, Vadlamani Srinivas, until Monday.
Hyderabad,Aug. 19: A division bench of the AP High Court on Wednesday stayed the filling of 49 posts in Gangavaram port, Visakhapatnam, from the list of displaced fishermen.
The petition filed by Ganagavaram Sampradaya Mastyakarula Sangam informed the court that a list of 317 fishermen was initially prepared but later another list of 717 people was made based on a directive from the Lok Ayukta.
The petitioner contended that the Lok Ayukta does not have jurisdiction to pass such an order.
HC stays eviction
Justice C.V. Ramulu of the AP High Court on Wednesday stayed an order issued by the tahsildar of Kothapatnam mandal in Prakasam district, directing eviction of 300 farmers from their salt pans in Motumanda village.
The farmers told the court that they had been manufacturing salt in the pans for three decades and the tahsildar passed orders in order to evict them from their land stating that the land was required to set up industrial units.
They said the authorities had tried to evict them from the land in 1988, but the court stayed the attempt.
The court also directed the revenue authorities not to displace them until further orders.
Top cop told to explain
The AP High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the deputy inspector-general of the Special Protection Force, Mr Yesuratnam, asking him to file his reply on a petition that challenged his exoneration in an ACB case.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Mr Kasireddy Srinivasulu of Hyderabad, who complained that the government was “lenient” towards the officer.
He told the court that though the DIG was caught in a disproportionate assets case, the government did not grant the required permission to ACB to prosecute him. He said that the government planned to close the matter with a departmental probe.
The state government in its reply told the court that it has the discretion to drop a case. The bench, not satisfied with the government’s response issued a notice to the DIG and asking him to explain his version by September 2.
CBI told to halt tests
The CBI on Wednesday informed the AP High Court that conducting polygraph and brain mapping tests on the accused in Satyam scam was not unconstitutional.
CBI counsel, Mr T. Niranjan Reddy, contended that to unearth the diversion of funds, these tests were essential.
The court directed CBI not to conduct tests on Ramalinga Raju, his brother, Rama Raju, and the CFO, Vadlamani Srinivas, until Monday.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
AP High Court seeks report on Nagarjuna Finance Ltd probe
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug. 18: The AP High Court asked the public prosecutor for a report on the progress of investigations into the cheating case registered against Nagarjuna Finance Ltd (NFL) by Thursday.
Justice B. Seshasayana Reddy was dealing with a petition filed by Mr Nimesh N. Kampani, financial consultant and former promoter-director of NFL seeking bail.
Earlier the High Court and the Supreme Court had dismissed Mr Kampani’s bail plea and refused to quash criminal proceedings initiated against him under the AP Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishment Act, 1999.
Mr Kampani and other executives of NFL are under investigation for the firm’s alleged failure to return Rs 98.3 crore collected from 85,160 depositors in 1997-98.
Senior counsel, Mr C. Padmanabha Reddy, told the court that Mr Kampani was ready to pay Rs 1 crore as security and provide an assurance that he would cooperate with the investigators.
Admission in sports quota
Justice R. Subhash Reddy of the High Court directed the NTR Health University not to approve admissions made so far in MBBS under the sports quota.
The judge was dealing with a petition filed by Ms B. Mounica, questioning the action of convenor of Eamcet, NTR Health University and the Sports Authority of AP in not including her name in the sports and games merit list 2009. She said she had secured first and third positions in sailing championships in 2006 and 2007. The petition was posted for Monday.
Info on MBBS age relaxation
A division bench comprising Justice Ghulam Mohammed and Justice Nooty Ramamohana Rao sought to know from the government by Wednesday on what basis it allowed age relaxation to students aspiring to join the MBBS course.
The bench was dealing with a petition filed by Mr A. Mohan, father of 16-year-old Sai Deepak, seeking a direction to allow him for MBBS counselling. As per the guidelines of the Medical Council of India, candidates should complete 17 years of age as on December 31 of the year of admission.
Stay on 2nd shift colleges
The AP High Court on Tuesday stayed an order issued by the state government allowing engineering colleges to run polytechnic courses in second shift. The court asked the respondents to submit their replies.
Decision on CM on Sept. 9
A division bench comprising Justice D.S.R. Varma and Justice R. Kantha Rao said it was not informed of the facts of the petition filed on Idupulapaya land issue.
The bench was dealing with a petition filed the TD leader, Mr Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who contended that seven statutes were violated by the Chief Minister while surrendering assigned land in his Idupulapaya Estate.
The court said counsel for the petitioner had not mentioned facts and posted the case to September 9. The bench said it would be limiting its hearing to admissibility of the petition and issuance of notice to the Chief Minister and the revenue minister.
Info sought on flu masks
The AP High Court issued notices to the state government seeking its response to a public interest litigation that wants wearing of masks in public places mandatory to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. The petitioner, Mr Sridhar Reddy, executive director of SV Organic Pvt Ltd, said that people could get infected at public places.
Hyderabad, Aug. 18: The AP High Court asked the public prosecutor for a report on the progress of investigations into the cheating case registered against Nagarjuna Finance Ltd (NFL) by Thursday.
Justice B. Seshasayana Reddy was dealing with a petition filed by Mr Nimesh N. Kampani, financial consultant and former promoter-director of NFL seeking bail.
Earlier the High Court and the Supreme Court had dismissed Mr Kampani’s bail plea and refused to quash criminal proceedings initiated against him under the AP Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishment Act, 1999.
Mr Kampani and other executives of NFL are under investigation for the firm’s alleged failure to return Rs 98.3 crore collected from 85,160 depositors in 1997-98.
Senior counsel, Mr C. Padmanabha Reddy, told the court that Mr Kampani was ready to pay Rs 1 crore as security and provide an assurance that he would cooperate with the investigators.
Admission in sports quota
Justice R. Subhash Reddy of the High Court directed the NTR Health University not to approve admissions made so far in MBBS under the sports quota.
The judge was dealing with a petition filed by Ms B. Mounica, questioning the action of convenor of Eamcet, NTR Health University and the Sports Authority of AP in not including her name in the sports and games merit list 2009. She said she had secured first and third positions in sailing championships in 2006 and 2007. The petition was posted for Monday.
Info on MBBS age relaxation
A division bench comprising Justice Ghulam Mohammed and Justice Nooty Ramamohana Rao sought to know from the government by Wednesday on what basis it allowed age relaxation to students aspiring to join the MBBS course.
The bench was dealing with a petition filed by Mr A. Mohan, father of 16-year-old Sai Deepak, seeking a direction to allow him for MBBS counselling. As per the guidelines of the Medical Council of India, candidates should complete 17 years of age as on December 31 of the year of admission.
Stay on 2nd shift colleges
The AP High Court on Tuesday stayed an order issued by the state government allowing engineering colleges to run polytechnic courses in second shift. The court asked the respondents to submit their replies.
Decision on CM on Sept. 9
A division bench comprising Justice D.S.R. Varma and Justice R. Kantha Rao said it was not informed of the facts of the petition filed on Idupulapaya land issue.
The bench was dealing with a petition filed the TD leader, Mr Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who contended that seven statutes were violated by the Chief Minister while surrendering assigned land in his Idupulapaya Estate.
The court said counsel for the petitioner had not mentioned facts and posted the case to September 9. The bench said it would be limiting its hearing to admissibility of the petition and issuance of notice to the Chief Minister and the revenue minister.
Info sought on flu masks
The AP High Court issued notices to the state government seeking its response to a public interest litigation that wants wearing of masks in public places mandatory to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. The petitioner, Mr Sridhar Reddy, executive director of SV Organic Pvt Ltd, said that people could get infected at public places.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
CM likely to seek more judges for High Court
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug. 14: The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, is likely to press for appointment of judges to the Andhra Pradesh High Court to overcome the acute shortage at a joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts to be held in New Delhi on August 16.
Dr Reddy has decided to stress on the issue as there was an abnormal delay in filling up 18 vacancies in the AP High Court, according to the sources close to the Chief Minister’s Office. He will press for filling up all the vacancies at once.
While the sanctioned strength of judges is 49, the present strength is 31. The AP High Court Bar has been pressurising the government to fill up the vacancies.
As on March 31, the total number of cases pending in the AP High Court was 1,73,454.
Sources in the judiciary told this newspaper that the actual strength of judges is 39 and the Centre had sanctioned 10 additional posts. As per norms, the judiciary can take up the process of filling regular vacancies of eight judges first and 10 vacancies would be filled at a later stage.
Out of eight regular vacancies, two or three posts will be filled up from the judicial service and the remaining will be filled up with members of the High Court Bar, sources said.
Hyderabad, Aug. 14: The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, is likely to press for appointment of judges to the Andhra Pradesh High Court to overcome the acute shortage at a joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts to be held in New Delhi on August 16.
Dr Reddy has decided to stress on the issue as there was an abnormal delay in filling up 18 vacancies in the AP High Court, according to the sources close to the Chief Minister’s Office. He will press for filling up all the vacancies at once.
While the sanctioned strength of judges is 49, the present strength is 31. The AP High Court Bar has been pressurising the government to fill up the vacancies.
As on March 31, the total number of cases pending in the AP High Court was 1,73,454.
Sources in the judiciary told this newspaper that the actual strength of judges is 39 and the Centre had sanctioned 10 additional posts. As per norms, the judiciary can take up the process of filling regular vacancies of eight judges first and 10 vacancies would be filled at a later stage.
Out of eight regular vacancies, two or three posts will be filled up from the judicial service and the remaining will be filled up with members of the High Court Bar, sources said.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Sons abandon mother, want case quashed
By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug. 14: Three sons who deserted their aged mother in a graveyard in Tirupati in 2006 approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking quashing of a sentence imposed on them by the third additional session judge court of Tirupati.
N. Ramesh, N. Nagaraju and N. Sudhakar, sons of Parvathamma, a resident of Tirupati town, were convicted by the lower court and sentenced to three years imprisonment for leaving their mother to death in the graveyard.
According to the prosecution, the trio abandoned their mother after grabbing her three-storey building. She used to beg on the streets for survival. On November 16, 2006, she fell unconscious at Pachhika Palem in the town and locals identified her and informed her sons. They took her to a nearby graveyard and left her there.
A Good Samaritan informed the sarpanch about the woman. He admitted her to the SVIMS Hospital. She died on November 18.
Ayush chief gets notice
The Andhra Pradesh High Court issued notices to the commissioner, department of Ayush, in a contempt case.
A division bench comprising Justice V. Eswaraiah and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar was dealing with a contempt petition filed by one Dr S. Bhavani, senior medical officer of Nature Cure Hospital, seeking a direction to punish the officials for contempt of orders of the High Court.
The High Court ordered the Ayush commissioner to consider the seniority of the petitioner for the post of chief medical officer. The court suspended an order which named another officer — who was a junior to the petitioner as per the roaster point — for the post.
ESIC to process insurance claim
Justice P. Lakshmana Reddy of the Central Administrative Tribunal directed the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to process the reimbursement claim of Rs 3.84 lakh, which a retired employee spent on emergency treatment for his wife’s heart problem.
The judge was dealing with a petition filed by one B. Mutyalu, a retired assistant director of ESIC. The judge over-ruled the objections raised by the ESIC authorities and asked them to rely on the emergency certificate issued by the hospital.
Hyderabad, Aug. 14: Three sons who deserted their aged mother in a graveyard in Tirupati in 2006 approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking quashing of a sentence imposed on them by the third additional session judge court of Tirupati.
N. Ramesh, N. Nagaraju and N. Sudhakar, sons of Parvathamma, a resident of Tirupati town, were convicted by the lower court and sentenced to three years imprisonment for leaving their mother to death in the graveyard.
According to the prosecution, the trio abandoned their mother after grabbing her three-storey building. She used to beg on the streets for survival. On November 16, 2006, she fell unconscious at Pachhika Palem in the town and locals identified her and informed her sons. They took her to a nearby graveyard and left her there.
A Good Samaritan informed the sarpanch about the woman. He admitted her to the SVIMS Hospital. She died on November 18.
Ayush chief gets notice
The Andhra Pradesh High Court issued notices to the commissioner, department of Ayush, in a contempt case.
A division bench comprising Justice V. Eswaraiah and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar was dealing with a contempt petition filed by one Dr S. Bhavani, senior medical officer of Nature Cure Hospital, seeking a direction to punish the officials for contempt of orders of the High Court.
The High Court ordered the Ayush commissioner to consider the seniority of the petitioner for the post of chief medical officer. The court suspended an order which named another officer — who was a junior to the petitioner as per the roaster point — for the post.
ESIC to process insurance claim
Justice P. Lakshmana Reddy of the Central Administrative Tribunal directed the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to process the reimbursement claim of Rs 3.84 lakh, which a retired employee spent on emergency treatment for his wife’s heart problem.
The judge was dealing with a petition filed by one B. Mutyalu, a retired assistant director of ESIC. The judge over-ruled the objections raised by the ESIC authorities and asked them to rely on the emergency certificate issued by the hospital.
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