Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court bench told the GHMC and HMDA that it was, as a statutory body, required to carry out its statutory functions without having to be prodded by the court. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice T. Vinod Kumar, was dealing with a writ plea filed by Syed Wajahath Ali complaining of the inaction of GHMC and HMDA from taking measures to stop the inflow of water into colonies in the city. The petitioner complained unofficial respondents were illegally carrying out construction beside the Balkapur nala, which passes through the entrance gates of Paramount colony and Brindavan Colony. That, the petitioner complained, was causing massive water logging. When counsel for the authorities said he would file a counter, the bench reacted saying that it was not adversarial litigation, and the authorities owe a duty to the citizens and need not wait for court orders for implementation of civic duties. The bench will continue to hear the matter on July 31.
Mirzapur illegal mining: HC notice to PCB
A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice T. Vinod Kumar, directed the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) to respond to a writ petition complaining of inaction by the board in a case of illegal mining. The bench was hearing a petition filed by Anees Fatima, who complained that SR Minerals was carrying out illegal mining in Mirzapur village of Vikarabad without obtaining the appropriate environmental clearance. It is also alleged that a representation was made on April 11 but no action was forthcoming from the authorities.
Merger of govt and VVP nurse challenged in HC
A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court ordered notice to the health medical and family welfare department to respond to the issue of merging government and Vaidya Vidhan Parishad (VVP) staff. The bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice T. Vinod Kumar, was dealing with a writ petition filed by Rapolu Shekar. Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel Satyam Reddy contended that by the impugned amendment in February, staff nurses working in the parishad were made eligible for the posts of lecturers in nursing under medical and health services. It was contended that the post of a lecturer in the government college of nursing is a cadre post. In contrast, the staff of VVP was created under a statute and therefore clubbing the two is impermissible under the law.
Permit fee under mineral rules challenged
A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court took on file a writ petition challenging the power of the state government to impose permit fees on Miner Minerals. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice T. Vinod Kumar, was dealing with a writ plea filed by the federation of minor minerals industry FEMMI and Rama Industries. The petitioners questioned Rule 4 and Rules 34 (2) of the Telangana Minor Mineral Concession Rules 1966 as illegal. According to the petitioners, the government was anyway collecting royalty and seigniorage fees and therefore cannot collect permit fees. The bench will hear the case on August 11.
