The Telangana High Court granted a final two-week deadline to the state government to complete the appointment of the chairperson and members of the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC).
Hyderabad:The Telangana High Court granted a final two-week deadline to the state government to complete the appointment of the chairperson and members of the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC). The panel cited the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct as a reason for the delay but made it clear that no further extensions would be entertained. A two-judge panel comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Adnan Mahmood, who is pressing for immediate appointments. The petitioner argued that the prolonged vacancy could lead to serious human rights violations, particularly during the election period, and accused the government of failing to establish a concrete action plan to fill the crucial posts. Earlier, the Advocate-General informed the court that a competent committee would soon convene to take a final decision on the appointments. Taking note of the submission, the panel reluctantly deferred the hearing, directing the government to report back on the outcome of the committee meeting. However, the panel firmly stated that further delays will not be tolerated. The matter has now been posted for compliance after two weeks, with the government expected to present the finalised appointments before the court.
Fire NOC for pvt school under HC consideration
The question of whether an International School has a fire safety clearance is currently being considered by the state High Court. The Telangana High Court took note of the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Services Department for Orchids - The International School and directed it to submit the required document before the next hearing on February 10, 2025. Justice T. Vinod Kumar was hearing a writ petition filed by Sparsh Educational Society, which runs the school, challenging the proceedings issued by the respondent authorities alleging that the school does not have the mandatory NOC (No Objection Certificate) for the building, the school runs. The petitioner argued that these actions were arbitrary, illegal, and in violation of the GO dated January 1, 1994, which regulates the recognition, administration, and control of private schools in Andhra Pradesh. The petitioner further contended that the proceedings violated the Constitution and should be set aside. During the hearing, the judge noted that the State Disaster Response and Fire Department issued a No Objection Certificate on January 12, 2023, explicitly stating that the school building should not be occupied without obtaining a final NOC from the Fire Services Department. However, the judge observed that the required Fire NOC was not placed on record, and the school appeared to have commenced operations without it. In response, the petitioner’s counsel requested time to verify the status of the Fire NOC and submit additional documents if available. The judge scheduled the next hearing for February 10, 2025, directing the petitioner to submit the Fire NOC for further consideration.
King Koti residents move HC on electric pole
The Telangana High Court directed the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) to consider objections raised by residents of King Koti, Hyderabad, against the proposed dismantling of an electricity pole in their locality. Justice Surepalli Nanda heard a writ plea filed by a local resident, Habeeb Abubakar Alhamed. The petitioner argued that the planned removal of the electricity pole in the lane beside Osmania Masjid, King Koti, was illegal and arbitrary, violating principles of natural justice. The petitioner, along with around 20 residents, relies on the pole for electricity and have been paying their bills regularly. The petitioners along with other residents submitted a representation to the concerned authorities requesting that the pole not be dismantled. However, despite the acknowledgment of their request, the authorities took no action and continued visiting the location with the intent to remove the pole. After hearing counsel for the petitioner, the judge directed TGSPDCL to review the objections raised in the representation and issue an official decision within a week.
HC flags registration of assigned lands
Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy of Telangana High Court came down heavily on the registration wing of the revenue department for registering assigned lands. The judge was hearing a writ plea filed by E. Nagaamma and her three daughters challenging the conversion of Lavani patta land and the registration of sale deeds executed by the first petitioner's son in favour of third parties. Justice Reddy referred to various provisions of the Record of Rights Act (ROR Act) and relevant legal provisions, pointing out that even officers who register documents contrary to the assignment of land are liable to be prosecuted and punished. The judge emphasised that such land is to be resumed in favour of the assignee. He reasoned that, in light of the prohibition under the law, it is intriguing that authorities arbitrarily proceed with such registrations in favour of gullible third parties who purchase these lands with their hard-earned money. He directed the collector of Ranga Reddy district to conduct a detailed inquiry and initiate criminal proceedings against the concerned sub-registrars within a period of three months.
