Hyderabad: While expressing dissatisfaction at the lack of progress of the ongoing probe by the CID of Andra Pradesh into the Agri Gold group scam, the Hyderabad High Court on Monday directed the CID to submit a status report by Friday so that it can decide whether or not a CBI probe should be ordered in the case.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale and Justice S.V. Bhatt was dealing with a petition from the Telangana Agri Gold customers and agents’ welfare association, represented by its president A. Ramesh Babu, seeking a probe either by the CBI or the Enforcement Directorate.
Counsel for the petitioners told the court that the CID undervalued the properties of the company and was not taking steps to arrest the accused.
The bench said, “Do not test the patience of the court”. It seemed the management of the company was not in favour of auctioning the properties. If so, they have to face serious consequences.
When the bench asked about the state of investigations, counsel appearing for Andhra Pradesh tried to explain why the arrests were not taking place.
The bench said it was not impressed with the progress of the probe.
Referring to the death of Justice T.Ch. Surya Rao, who headed the three-men panel that was overseeing the auction of properties, the bench ordered that Justice G.V. Seethapathy, retired judge of the High Court, would now head the panel.
HC questions Telangana govt on school fee
The Hyderabad High Court on Monday sought to know the steps being taken by the Telangana State government to prevent the managements of private schools in the city from collecting huge fees.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale and Justice S.V. Bhatt was dealing with a PIL by HS Parents Associations challenging the action of certain schools in collecting capitation fee in the name of special fee.
HC intervenes in VC appointments
The Hyderabad High Court on Monday made it clear that the appointment of vice-chancellor to any university in Telangana will be subject to the outcome of petitions challenging the appointments based on the amendment made to the AP Universities Act, 1991 and Acts of other universities in Telangana.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale and Justice S.V. Bhatt gave the ruling while dealing with a PIL by Dr D. Manohar Rao, a retired professor of Osmania University challenging the amendment to the Acts that took away the power of Chancellor (Governor) in ways as to enable the state government directly make the appointments.
Fruit ripening: Court asks Telangana, AP to take media help
The Hyderabad High Court on Monday asked the governments of TS and AP to use the print and electronic media to spread awareness against the use of calcium carbide for ripening of fruits.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale and Justice S.V. Bhatt was dealing with a case in this respect.
When counsels appearing for the two states submitted that the advertisement tariffs of media were high, the bench said the media has a responsibility vis-Ã -vis spread of awareness.
The court hoped that media managements would res-pond positively. The steps being taken by both TS and AP were not satisfactory, the bench said, and directed the authorities to continue with the drives against artificial ripening of fruits by the vendors. The mango season is approaching.
The bench posted the matter to March 4 and asked the governments to report back to it on the media campaign and on implementation of the various other suggestions of the court including the setting up of "ethylene chambers" for ripening of fruits.
