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.