Bank official fined for frivolous writ petition

Hyderabad: Justice T. Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court imposed costs of Rs 5000 on the assistant manager of Union Bank of India for filing a frivolous writ petition, and dismissed his plea. In his writ plea, G. Bakkaiah questioned the registrar of cooperative societies’ decision to conduct elections to the board of directors of Andhra Bank Employees Cooperative Bank Limited. The petitioner contended that the membership of Andhra Bank employees stood dissolved after the merger of the Andhra Bank with UCO Bank.

HC seeks govt stand on hookah smoking in hotels

Hyderabad: Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court directed the state government to seek instructions on allowing hookah smoking in restaurants. This was in response to a writ plea filed by Mahindra Tikaram, owner of Resign Sky Bar, seeking a direction to allow him to serve hookah in his establishment. He also contended that he must be allowed to serve hookah in open areas and smoking zones. The judge questioned how smoking can be allowed considering that a restaurant was a ‘public space’. The matter has been adjourned to January 5 for further hearing.

Warrant against police task force excise official

Hyderabad: Justice Vinod Kumar of Telangana High Court issued a bailable warrant against N. Anji Reddy, excise superintendent of police task force. The judge was dealing with a contempt petition filed by one Ghyanshyam Karwa alleging that Reddy had not produced CCTV recording as directed by the court. The government pleader said the CCTV recordings had only a lifespan of 25 days. The judge issued Form 1 and adjourned the matter to January 27.

MEA’s stand sought on Brazilian’s citizenship card plea

Hyderabad: Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of Telangana High Court directed the ministry of external affairs to explain its stance in not issuing an overseas Indian citizenship card to a Brazilian. This was in response to a plea by Lucia Santos, a Brazilian who has been living in India for the last eight years. In a matter referred by the legal services authority, the judge suggested that OCI Rules do not allow the permit unless there is a declaration from the husband also. Lucia contended that she had already applied for an extension of her visa as she wished to continue staying in India. The matter was adjourned to Monday for further hearing.