Degree colleges get relief from DOST

HYDERABAD: Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court suspended a direction of the state government that insisted upon online admission to degree colleges under Degree Online Services, Telangana (DOST). Aurora Degree College and managements of other colleges had filed a batch of writ petitions questioning the action of the government in requiring all students to apply online and pursue their studies in the college allotted by the authorities.  The petitioners contended that the exercise of such power was not backed by any statutory power. The action of the authorities in processing the fee was also challenged on the ground that such power can only be exercised by a fee regulatory authority and not the government. The petitioners pointed out that assuming that there was such power, it was unscientific to equate students coming from different boards of education by their marks. From 2018, the government has repeatedly issued such GOs of similar consequences.

HC refuses order on plea over Lawcet convener

Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court refused to interdict in the appointment of the convener for the ensuing law common entrance test (Lawset). The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by Prof. G. Vinod Kumar, who complained that the appointment of Prof. B. Vijaya Laxmi as the convener was contrary to the seniority protocol. His claim was that he was senior to the person appointed. He pointed out that similar writ petitions filed earlier had become infructuous by the flux of time. He apprehended a similar fate if the court did not pass interim orders. Justice Shravan Kumar, however, pointed out that the grounds of an interim order would jeopardise the interests of the students taking the examination, scheduled for May 25.

Bulk drug unit gets time after PCB notice

A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court granted time to Surabhi Laboratories to submit explanations on orders passed by the Pollution Control Board to stop the construction of its plant. A bench comprising Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili and Justice Sambashiva Naidu was dealing with a petition filed challenging the order passed by the TSPCB. Counsel for the petitioner contended that it was a pharmaceutical bulk drug manufacturing unit in Vadepally of Sangareddy district. The PCB and other authorities had granted all permissions last month and the company had started construction by investing Rs 30 crore. The PCB then issued notice to stop the construction. Standing counsel, representing the PCB, contended that the notice was issued as the petitioner had furnished false information to obtain clearance, and on complaints received from local villagers that it was situated less than 600 metres from their agricultural land. The government pleader for the revenue department said that the district collector had constituted a joint committee, consisting of a revenue divisional officer and officers from the agricultural department. Their report opined that there were violations committed by the unit. It was argued that the industry was only 800 metres from Ratnapuri Institute of Technology and it had encroached upon assigned land for the purpose of construction. The bench observed that the report of the joint committee was not furnished to the petitioner. It directed the PCB to serve a copy of the report to the petitioner within a week and granted an opportunity to the petitioner to submit an explanation. “After considering the explanation and hearing from the villagers, the board can pass appropriate orders in two weeks,” the bench added.

HC orders status quo in the construction of a road

Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court granted status quo in the construction of a road in Hanamkonda district. The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by Osukula Ravi and 14 agriculturalists. The petitioners wondered how the roads and buildings, revenue, panchayat raj and rural development departments could commence construction of a road through their land without issuing notice and without following due process of law. They complained that in spite of several representations made by them, no action was taken. The judge granted status quo and directed the authorities to survey the said land and file their counter by June 15.

Relocation of hostel students: HC grants interim relief

Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court granted interim relief in a matter relating to relocation of students from a study circle hostel. The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by J. Ashwini and 49 others belong to the Scheduled Castes and residents of Study Circle D at Dilsukhnagar. The petitioners pointed out that due to the TSPSC paper leak, the Group-2 examinations were postponed to August. The state government assured the students that they could avail facilities like classes, library, food and water. The petitioners complained that no such facilities were being provided. They pointed to attempts to allocate the petitioners to other hostels where there were no proper facilities. Counsel for the social welfare informed the court that the petitioners were trying to gain sympathy and that the state authorities has fulfilled their obligations. Counsel submitted a report regarding accommodation and facilities provided to the students. The judge directed the government to continue to provide the required facilities to the students and posted the case to May 25.