Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court closed a PIL on allegations of cow slaughter in the name of Bakrid. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji, directed chief secretary and the DGP to ensure that provisions of the Act, including Sections 5 and 6 thereof, are strictly implemented. The DGP shall also ensure that law and order is maintained across the state. Speaking for the bench, the Chief Justice said, “It is for the community elders to ensure that all festivals are celebrated in true spirit and by embracing people from all faiths and communities thereby spreading the message of peace and brotherhood”.
The bench was dealing with a PIL in the form of a letter addressed to the Chief Justice by K. Shiva Kumar, chairman of Yuga Tulasi foundation, apprehending inter alia “a large number of cows will be sacrificed in an illegal and cruel manner hurting the religious sentiments of the majority community, which worships cows”. The bench disapproved of the brinkmanship and said, “The festival to be celebrated is not a sudden event but known well in advance. Writing a letter to the Chief Justice on such an emotive issue at the eleventh hour, without approaching any authority at the first instance cannot be appreciated”. However, the bench took note of the serious ramifications, which had the potential to impair inter-community relationship and noted the various provisions of Telangana Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Animal Preservation Act, 1977.
The bench also took note of the fact that the police department established special checkposts and cattle holding ponds as measures to prevent illegal transportation of animals, especially cows and calves. The veterinary and animal husbandry department has deputed veterinarians to coordinate with police officials and that the identified check posts would be manned 24x7. The department is taking all necessary steps to control illegal slaughter of cows, calves and other animals during the festival, the bench observed. “We hope and trust that all officials will discharge their assigned duties sincerely and faithfully,” the bench concluded.
Resettlement of displaced families: RDO summoned
Justice Mummineni Sudheer Kumar of the Telangana High Court summoned Ramesh Babu, revenue divisional officer of Siddipet in connection with a case pertaining to resettlement and rehabilitation to displaced persons. The Judge was dealing with petitions filed by Y. Kamalamma and other widows of displaced persons in Vemulaghat village. Counsel for the petitioners contended that land and houses of the petitioners were acquired by the government for construction of Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project. They pleaded that they were elderly widows and were being denied resettlement and rehabilitation benefits. Counsel argued that some of the petitioners have even died waiting for the benefits.
The government pleader contended that they must verify details of each petitioner for the release of benefits. When the court questioned the reason for the delay, the government pleader replied that they need to obtain fresh instructions. Counsel for the petitioner reminded the court that the same reason is being given for the last two years. Accepting the contentions, the court directed the RDO to be present in the court with all relevant materials on July 10.
Man denied bail for transporting drugs
Justice M. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court refused to grant bail in a case of transport of narcotic substances. The Judge was dealing with a petition filed by Shaik Mohammad for grant of bail. Counsel for the petitioner informed the court that four persons were caught by the police with 78 kg ganja in two cars. He contended that the petitioner was not the main accused, but had only transported the contraband.
The Judge observed that as per Section 37 of the Narcotics Act, even transportation amounts to a crime. The Judge also rejected the ground that the petitioner not being involved in any other crime previously was not a criterion to grant bail. The Judge opined that where Section 37 of the Narcotics Act was involved, reasonable grounds should exist pointing to innocence of the petitioner.
