HC Disapproves HYDRAA's Action At Tammidikunta

Hyderabad: Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court came down heavily on the HYDRAA for committing contempt by defying the status quo orders related to land adjoining Tammidikunta in Khanamet village. The judge warned that any breach of this fresh directive would necessitate the personal appearance of HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath before the court on August 7. The judge was dealing with a batch of contempt cases filed by S. Venkateswara Rao and two other aggrieved landowners, who claimed that despite categorical status quo orders passed on November 7, 2023, and reaffirmed on April 23, HYDRAA officials continued unauthorised activity in and around the petitioners’ land. The petitioners sought protection of approximately 1.07 guntas of land in Khanamet, Serilingampally mandal, which, they alleged, was being encroached upon and rendered unusable without a lawful process. These activities included work on the lakebed and the flooding of private land without demarcating the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zone limits. Counsel for the petitioners argued that the action of the commissioner amounted to “blatant defiance of judicial authority,” resulting in substantial and irreversible damage to the property and the surrounding environment. The judge observed that there was prima facie material indicating wilful disobedience of court orders and directed that no further work be undertaken by the commissioner in relation to Tammidikunta

HC blocks FDR withdrawal from Chikkadpally temple

Justice K. Sarath of the Telangana High Court directed the state endowments department and other authorities not to withdraw, encash or liquidate the fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Devasthanam, Chikkadapally, Hyderabad. The judge was hearing a writ plea filed by G. Srinath Goud, founder trustee of the temple, challenging the government's action of issuing proceedings permitting the withdrawal of FDRs for payment of statutory dues. The petitioner contended that the action was illegal, arbitrary and contrary to the provisions governing temple finances under the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act. It was contended that the recovery of statutory contributions from the fixed deposits would adversely affect its long-term financial stability and violate the statutory protection accorded to temple corpus funds. Standing counsel for respondents sought time to obtain instructions. In the meantime, the judge granted an interim direction restraining the respondents from withdrawing or liquidating the temple’s fixed deposits.

HC orders job for Jurala Project displaced person

Justice Surepalli Nanda of the Telangana High Court allowed a writ plea challenging the inaction of the irrigation and command area development department in granting employment under the displaced persons quota. The judge was hearing a writ plea filed by K. Harish, who alleged that the authorities failed to consider his claim for appointment under GO dated April 8, 1986, which provides for employment to displaced persons affected by irrigation projects. Agastya Ram, counsel appearing for the petitioner, contended that the petitioner’s land was acquired under the Priyadarshini Jurala Project, vide award dated September 23, 2002, rendering him eligible under the GO. It was contended that the petitioner initially approached the erstwhile AP Administrative Tribunal (APAT), which declined relief on the ground of delay in applying for appointment. A second acquisition in respect of the petitioner’s remaining land was made under a subsequent award dated May 19, 2017, following which he submitted several representations seeking appointment as a junior assistant. Despite fulfilling all eligibility criteria, no action was taken by the department. In response, counsel for the department contended that the GO was no longer in force. The judge held that the petitioner was entitled to employment under the applicable policy and directed the department to consider his case under the amended GO dated April 8, 2005, issued by the irrigation and CAD department, and provide appropriate employment in accordance with law.

HC reviews sports quota rejection for SI

Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana High Court will continue to hear a writ plea filed by a sub-inspector of police (probationary), challenging disqualification from consideration under the sports quota (Form-1 category) for Group-1 services. The judge was dealing with a writ plea filed by Thota Anusha, a nationally and internationally recognised roller skater, who was declared ineligible for the Local Incentive Eligibility for Sports (LIEF) through a letter dated August 17, 2024. She argued that the rejection was based on a screening committee report that was neither served to her nor supported by any valid reasoning, thereby violating the principles of natural justice and her fundamental rights under the Constitution. Despite holding a valid Form-1 certificate issued by the competent authority and participating in internationally recognised events, her candidature was rejected on vague and unreasonable grounds. In her petition, she sought to quash the impugned letter, direct the Telangana State Public Service Commission to recognise her Form-1 certificate for reservation benefits, and instruct the sports authority to dispose of her pending representation and affirm the genuineness of her credentials. The respondent authority, vice-chairman and managing director, Sports Authority of Telangana, submitted that the certificate issued by the authority was not valid, as a national authority, that is, the Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI), cannot issue international certificates. The petitioner contended that the appointment as SI was secured under the same quota. Taking note of the submissions, the judge posted the matter for further hearing.