HYDERABAD: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court, comprising Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji, on Monday directed Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to provide superannuation benefits to its scientist Y. Lakshmana Rao. The writ petition, filed by the scientist, assailed the legality and correctness of the Central Administrative Tribunal’s order. It was contended that the petitioner was not promoted as a scientist/engineer contrary to law. The bench set the CAT order aside and issued a direction to provide the petitioner with retirement benefits that would be in accordance with those he would enjoy had he been promoted as per the rules.
Contempt case: HC dispenses appearance of RR collector
The Telangana High Court dispensed with the appearance of Ranga Reddy district collector, the revenue divisional officer and the tahsildar in a contempt case filed by Pratap Enterprises Group Pvt Ltd. The petitioner pointed out a violation of a Supreme Court order that directed the state revenue department to issue pattadar passbooks to the petitioners. The bench of Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji took strict note of the fact that two years had lapsed since the apex court’s orders and they remained unimplemented. The revenue department stated that physical copies of the pattadar passbooks were due to be issued and the delay was because it was outsourced to a third-party agency.
Central tax chief asked to release four of 20 flats attached by dept
The Telangana High Court directed the Commissioner of Central Tax to release four of 20 flats in a writ challenging the attachment of immovable properties by a realtor company. A writ plea was filed by Pacifica India Projects Private Limited against the action of the Commissioner of Central Tax in provisionally attaching the under-construction flats of the company. S. Ravi, senior counsel, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, contended that the petitioner was not issued notice before the attachment. He said that in order to recover GST of nearly ₹16 crores, flats worth ₹26 crores were attached. Dominic Fernandes, counsel appearing for the department, was vehement that the commissioner could attach any property in the interest of the government and a notice need not be issued. Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji opined that this required due consideration and issued notice to the authorities. The attachment would continue till the next date of hearing, June 15.
Man languishing in jail for 28 years; HC questions legality
A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court directed the deputy solicitor general of India to appraise the court about the judicial section of the Ministry of home affairs regarding a person in prison for 28 years. A writ appeal was sought by Joshi Madhavi, the wife of a prisoner who was convicted of murder in 2000 and has been in jail since 1995. He was on parole several times. In the meanwhile, he completed his education at B.R. Ambedkar Open University. Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji considered that the prisoner was deeply connected with programmes regarding prison reformation and skill development. In view of the seriousness of the issue, the bench said that it would be taken up immediately after vacation on June 5 on a priority basis.
Frivolous PILs irk HC bench
Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji expressed dissatisfaction at PILs filed on frivolous grounds without determining the issue and ascertaining the proper law. A PIL was filed by Gandhian intuitive inclusive thought and act of Ambedkar for real development and the concerned person appeared party in person before the court. The issue raised was regarding the election expenditure during the Munugodu elections. In view of an incoherent and lofty prayer sought before the court, the matter has been adjourned. The Chief Justice, speaking for the bench, also voiced his opinion on how PILs and taken-up letters as petitions are misused by people, which are primarily made for distressed persons.
Dowry death accused gets bail
Justice C. Sumalatha of the Telangana High Court on Monday granted bail in a dowry death case. The judge heard the petition filed by Thati Katam Raju and his wife, both residents of Muthyalampudu village, Kothagudem district. It was contended that the petitioners and their son had harassed and pestered their daughter-in-law demanding more dowry. Upon several such incidents, in unbearable circumstances, the daughter-in-law informed her mother and died by suicide. The judge concluded by granting bail with payment of ₹50,000 towards the bail bond and deposit of two sureties.
Priest denied bail for the sexual abuse of a woman
Justice C. Sumalatha of the Telangana High Court on Monday denied bail in an outraging the modesty of woman case. The judge heard the petition filed by Velpuri Ramu, a priest residing in Kukatpally. It was contended that the petitioner had misled the complainant under the guise of providing a spiritual remedy, invited her to his home and made her consume milk. Later, she found herself naked and was forced to have intercourse. The prosecution stated that the petitioner had taken advantage of her loneliness, thereafter extorted ₹2 lakhs threatening to release pictures on social media. The judge concluded by denying bail.
