Actor Vijay Deverakonda Moves HC to Quash Criminal Complaint

Hyderabad: Justice N. Tukaramji of the Telangana High Court reserved verdict in a criminal petition filed by actor Vijay Deverakonda seeking to quash an FIR registered against him over alleged derogatory remarks made against tribal communities during a public event. The FIR, lodged at Raidurgam Police Station, stemmed from a complaint filed by Nanavath Ashok Kumar Naik, president of the Girijana Sangala Joint Action Committee (JAC). The complainant alleged that Deverakonda, during an informal event held in April, 2025, made objectionable statements humiliating members of the Scheduled Tribes. Counsel for the petitioner N. Naveen Kumar argued that the complaint was filed nearly two months after the event and that it casts serious doubt on the credibility and bona fides of the allegations. He further argued that the FIR was politically motivated and failed to disclose any cognisable offence. It was pointed out that the statutory ingredients required to attract offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, were absent. The Act penalises intentional insults or acts of intimidation directed at members of SC/ST communities in public view. The actor placed before the court transcripts and English translations of the impugned speech, along with a public clarification issued via Twitter on May 3, in which he reiterated his respect for tribal communities and expressed regret if any unintentional hurt had been caused. Asserting his right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the actor contended that the FIR was an abuse of criminal law intended to suppress expression and dissent. The respondents, however, contended that an apology posted on social media cannot absolve liability for statements made publicly, especially during a live event that is being widely viewed on YouTube and other social media platforms. They contend that the remarks, irrespective of intent, caused deep offence to tribal communities and warranted investigation. After hearing both sides, the court reserved its judgment.

Old Pension Rules for 2003 DSC candidates: HC

Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday ruled that teachers appointed under DSC-2003 notification are entitled to pension under an old pension scheme and not the present revised new contributory pension scheme. The judge upheld the plea of petitioners who were appointed after 2004 when the new policy was promulgated. The petitioners contended that they were recruited on the basis of a notification issued much earlier in 2003 and therefore the pension rules as on the date of their employment notification must hold the field and not the new policy. Pleading contra, the respondent State pointed out that the policy as on the date of their joining service would apply. The petitioners, who found the earlier policy more beneficial contended that the inordinate delay in the appointments was not attributable to them and therefore they cannot be penalised by imposing the new policy. Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka upheld the argument that if the appointment had occurred promptly, it would be before the new policy was introduced. It was successfully argued that the law as on the date of recruitment notification should be made applicable. The judge also relied upon a recent verdict of a division bench which upheld the said plea and accordingly directed the management to extend the benefits of old policy to the petitioners.

Plea against Waqf Board Mutawalli admitted

Justice T. Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court admitted a writ petition challenging the resolution passed by the Telangana State Waqf Board appointing a new Mutawalli of the Dargah and Graveyard of Hazrath Makki Miya at Kishan Bagh, Hyderabad. The judge was hearing a writ plea filed by Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin alias Jeelani Pasha, who assails a resolution of October 26, 2024, passed by the Board in response to an item of the board meeting. The petitioner contended that the resolution incorporated the name of Syed Mohammed Siddiq Mahmoodi, as Muthawalli on alleged hereditary grounds, despite contrary reports submitted by the CEO and subordinate officers of the Board. The petitioner contended that he earlier submitted a representation in December 2018, seeking appointment as Muthawalli, and that the Board failed to consider the same. He contended that the impugned resolution is contrary to the proceedings and reports submitted by the field officials and amounts to a colourable exercise of statutory powers. The petitioner is seeking setting aside of the resolution and a direction to the official respondents to consider his representation for appointment as Muthawalli. Justice Vinod Kumar ordered notice to the respondents and posted the matter for hearing in four weeks.

Bail to Gujarat bizman in job trafficking case

Justice J. Sreenivas Rao of the Telangana High Court granted bail to a 29-year-old Gujarat-based businessman arrested in connection with an alleged job trafficking case registered by Manakondur Police Station, Karimnagar district. The judge was dealing with a plea filed by Hitesh Arjan Somaiya, from Porbandar who was accused of luring youth from Telangana into a fraudulent overseas job offer and subsequently leading to his illegal detention in Thailand. The complainant alleged that his son travelled to Bangkok in December 2024 after being promised a job as a computer operator by the accused but was instead forced into fraudulent activities and held against his will. The petitioner was arrested by the Gujarat Police at Gujarat Bhavan, Delhi on May 21, and flown to Hyderabad without allegedly being produced before a magistrate within the mandatory 24-hour period. It was argued that this violated several provisions of the BNSS. The defense further claimed that Somaiya was falsely implicated and that the major investigation was complete. It was contended that the petitioner had already spent more than 60 days in judicial custody. Opposing the bail, the Additional Public Prosecutor contended that serious charges were involved, and that releasing the accused could pose a risk of evidence tampering and witness intimidation. However, taking into account that 10 witnesses have already been examined and that a major part of the investigation was complete, the court held that continued custody was not justified at this stage. Justice Sreenivas Rao allowed the petition, granting bail subject to conditions including a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties, weekly attendance before the police, and compliance with Section 483(3) of the BNSS.

Plea against illegal apt. over public well admitted

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court took on file a writ petition against an ongoing illegal construction of a four-storied apartment over a designated public agricultural well in Bharath Puri Colony under the Peerzadiguda Municipal Corporation, Medchal–Malkajgiri district. The judge was dealing with a writ plea filed by A. Jalander Reddy, a resident, who contended that official layout plans approved by the GHMC clearly mark Plot No. 32/1 as a reserved area for a public well. Despite this, construction continued on the site, located between Plot Nos. 32 and 33 in Survey No. 42, covering a total layout area of approximately 10 acres and 31 guntas. The well itself measures approximately 120 feet in depth and an area of 600 square yards. It was further contended that the residents sent multiple representations to the authorities raising concerns about the illegal construction and public safety hazards, but no action was taken by the official respondents. The petitioner also contended that constructing any building over a functioning agricultural well is not only illegal but also poses a grave risk to public health and violates environmental and municipal norms. In light of these submissions, the judge ordered interim directions to the commissioner of Peerzadiguda municipal corporation, Medipally mandal, Malkajgiri district, to consider the petitioner’s representations. The judge also ordered notice to the unofficial respondents.