HYDERABAD: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed the state to pay compensation for violating the protection of life and personal liberty of a practising woman lawyer. The bench of Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji heard a writ plea filed by Eunice L. Chawngthu, a practising advocate of the High Court, who complained against the highhanded and illegal actions by the police. She contended that she had attended the TS Lawcet exam on May 20 2019. Following a road incident, she was late at the exam centre by some minutes. Authorities at the centre said she cannot be permitted to write the exam. Upon hearing this, the petitioner created a hassle and picked up a quarrel by abusing and hitting the officer. As a last resort, the police arrested her. She was released from custody on May 27. It was stated that the petitioner was habitual litigant who had previously filed cases against police officials and judicial officers and has over 25 cases wherein the petitioner is the accused. In the writ plea, the petitioner questioned the manner of the arrest and subsequent procedures. The court concluded that police have violated a basic fundamental right and directed the police to deposit Rs 50,000 in the court registry within six months. The petitioner was asked not to become vengeful for personal grievances.
Missing soldier's family urged to approach appropriate authority
A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday granted liberty to a petitioner to approach the appropriate forum in a matter pertaining to a missing BSF soldier. The bench of Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili and Justice Pulla Karthik heard the writ plea filed by Jhansi and her children on Srinivas, a BSF jawan, who was missing. It was contended that Srinivas, who was accused in a case under POCSO Act against the daughter of his superior had been sentenced with life imprisonment by general security force court of BSF. He has been missing since March 7 and his whereabouts remain unknown. The bench granted liberty to the petitioner to challenge the BSF court order in the appropriate forum.
HC stops sale after e-auction of a township’s utility area
Justice C.V. Bhasker Reddy of the Telangana High Court asked a realtor not to go ahead with the sale hours before the auction at Sanskruti Township. The judge heard a writ plea filed by P. Naga Indira Priya Darshini, a resident of Sanskruti Township, alleged that they were to be provided utilities for religious purposes and a commercial shopping complex. The petitioner challenged Wednesday’s e-Auction of a utility area belonging to the township without prior notice or information. The judge held that the auction could be held as scheduled but the sale shall be kept pending subject to the writ petition.
Vacate stay application of a upa-sarpanch dismissed
Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday dismissed a vacate stay application filed by former upa-sarpanch of Atmakur village on the removal of the sarpanch. The vacate petition was filed in a writ plea by Parwatagiri Rao, the Sarpanch of Atmakur village seeking suspension of an order passed by the district collector regarding his removal. In an earlier interim order by the court, the MPDO was appointed as the in-charge sarpanch while the sarpanch and upa-sarpanch’s roles were kept in abeyance pending the litigation. The proceedings before the collector alleged that the funds of the gram panchayat were misappropriated and hence, led to the removal of the sarpanch. Since a detailed hearing was required, the case was adjourned to April 25.
Incumbent ‘chairman’ directed to operate Munnuru Kapu Sangam accounts
Justice K. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday issued a series of directions on the bank account of Munnuru Kapu Sangam, established by the Munnuru Kapu Vidyarthi Vasathi Gruham Trust Board. The writ petition filed by the trust board challenged a resolution passed by the Union Bank freezing its account on the grounds that there were contradictory resolutions as to who should operate the bank account. The trust runs the Munnuru Kapu Sangam which was established in 1964, and provides books and scholarship support to members of the community. The trust is represented by Venkat Rao, who claimed to be the chairman while one Thota Raghunath Rao claimed that he was the chairperson presently. The judge directed that the bank account shall be operated by Raghunath Rao and another trustee, which will be subject to the proceedings to be initiated by the petitioner under Section 34 of the Trust Act in the civil court. Justice Lakshman directed the counsels of the contesting trustees to mediate the warring parties and examine if an amicable solution can be arrived at.
Pay PF, HC orders petitioner seeking exemption
Justice K. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court refused to entertain a writ petition on whether it was governed by the provisions of Provident Fund Act. A stock broking company filed a writ contending that it was not governed by the Act as it did not have the prescribed minimum number of employees. Rejecting the plea, Justice Lakshman pointed out that the company had over 20 branches and therefore, it could not be said that it does not have 20 employees which is the number prescribed for being governed by the provisions of the Provident Fund Act. Though earlier, there was an interim order to deposit 50% of the amount demanded, the present order will entail PF Authorities to collect the entire demanded amount.
