PoP idols: HC asks TS reply

Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar asked the government to file its reply in a matter pertaining to the sale of plaster of Paris (PoP) idols of Lord Ganesha. The bench was dealing with two writ petitions filed by Telangana Ganesh MurtiKalakaar Welfare Association and others, challenging the ban on the sale and making of PoP idols.

The petitioners stated that the idols were made prior to the Covid pandemic, and they would face immense financial loss if not permitted to sell the idols. The bench asked the petitioner how many idols were ready for sale as it was not mentioned in the affidavit. The bench made it clear that if the state government failed to file its reply the matter will be decided on the material available on record.

HC calls for steps on Act

A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court granted time to the government to submit a status report on flood relief measures. The bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar recorded that the steps the government took under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005 were satisfactory.

The bench was dealing with a PIL filed by Dr Cheruku Sudhakar and Kabbaka Shravan Kumar, complaining of government failure to effectively implement provisions of the DM Act qua flood-affected areas. The bench recorded that there were 192 flood relief camps where 20,387 persons were given food, shelter, and medicines. Chikkudu Prabhakar, appearing for the petitioner, concerns about the breaches to the Kaleshwaram project. The bench also recorded senior counsel Harender Pershad's assurance that proposals were underway on the issue of providing relief, and the government was seriously considering the same. The bench will hear the matter on September 18.

Explain delay, HC tells aspirant

A two-judge bench of Telangana High Court on Monday adjourned matters on medical admission questions qua the issue of locals and non-locals. The bench speaking through Chief Justice Alok Aradhe said that the time schedule for examination in medical colleges is critical and those who sleep over their rights cannot invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the High Court. The panel may hear the matters on Friday.

HC: Consider Anganwadi spouse for transfer

Justice P. Madhavi Devi of Telangana High Court directed the government to consider the services of a spouse engaged as an anganwadi worker while evaluating points for teacher transfer. The judge made an interim order in a writ petition filed by G. Ashok Babu, a secondary grade teacher in Julurpad mandal, Bhadradi, Kothagudem district, challenging the denial of spousal points to him on the ground that anganwadi workers were not government employees.

The petitioner contended that the benefit was earlier given in the transfers in 2013, and denial of the same was arbitrary. The petitioner pointed to Supreme Court judgments which extended gratuity to anganwadi workers and considered their work comes under the Right to Education Act. The government pleader argued that under the government order for extending spousal beneficiary points are applicable to spouses working in state or central government or public undertaking.