Ex-gratia to kin of farmers: Telangana HC summons govt official 

Hyderabad: A two-judge Bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavali summoned the Principal Secretary, Revenue to appear before the court on April 6 in a case related to compensation to the kin of farmers who committed suicide. The Bench was dealing with a PIL filed […]

Hyderabad: A two-judge Bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavali summoned the Principal Secretary, Revenue to appear before the court on April 6 in a case related to compensation to the kin of farmers who committed suicide. The Bench was dealing with a PIL filed by B Kondala Reddy, a social activist. The petitioner contended that the government has failed to extend monetary support to families of farmers who committed suicide. Vasuda, counsel for petitioner pointed out that the government announced that it would pay ex gratia to 133 parties and even issued GO on December 24, but has not initiated any steps in this regard. Faulting the government for its indifference, the Bench summoned Principal Secretary, Revenue to appear before the court at the next hearing and told the Government Pleader that the amount should be paid in the meantime.

Solid waste
The same Bench summoned the GHMC Commissioner to appear before the court on February 28 in a case related to the illegal dumping of solid waste by Virinchi Hospital. The Bench was dealing with a writ plea filed by one Rizwan Khan, who complained about the inaction of civic authorities in clearing solid waste dumped by the hospital. The petitioner complained that due to the hospital’s negligence, his father had passed away and other family members are experiencing health problems due to the wastage dumping. The bench expressed dissatisfaction and remarked, “when people are dying the Commissioner cannot be sitting in air-conditioned rooms”. The Pollution Control Board said, it has already informed the GHMC, Banjara Hills Circle to clear the waste including used thermacol boxes and wooden material. The GHMC said it requires some time to submit a report and it requested Deputy Commissioner, GHMC may be summoned instead of Commissioner.

Fee structure
The State government is working on the possibilities of framing a legislation to regulate fee structure in private schools. Special Government Pleader Sanjeev Kumar placed this information before the High Court. The Bench was dealing with a batch of writ pleas alleging violation of various directions on charging exorbitant fee by the private school managements. The Bench adjourned the matter by four weeks to see whether the legislation would be forthcoming in the meanwhile.

Fatal accidents
The Panchayat Raj Department told the Bench that the State government had issued a GO in 2011 for Prevention of fatal accidents to children due to abandoned borewells and tube wells. The Bench was delaying with a public interest litigation case filed by one Prakash Duddarapu complaining about the non-implementation of Supreme Court guidelines on preventive measures. The authorities informed that 8,024 borewells were made defunct after 2011. The Bench adjourned the case by four weeks to file a latest status report on the action taken.

Public funds
The Bench dismissed a public interest litigation case pertaining to unauthorised and illegal development activity in the 938 acres acquired by the Singareni Collieries. The case was taken up as suo moto based on a letter by Kannuri Karunakar. The Singareni Collieries has acquired 708 acres of private patta land and 230 acres of government land for the OCP II project. The letter alleged Irrigation Department authorities have undertaken a development activity to the tune of Rs 50 lakh in the said land. The contractors and officers carried out works under the MGNREGA resulting in misuse of public funds. The government said there are no irregularities and that the development work was carried out under Mission Kakatiya for the development of 3 tanks and not under MGNREGA. The Bench held as it was not MNREGA, the allegation of collusion between contractors and officers is ruled out. Disposing of the case, the Bench said the petitioner can seek appropriate remedy if there are any discrepancies.

Lack of facilities
The Bench dubbed the government report and actions as eye wash after perusing the report filed by Amicus Curie Kiranmayee in the public interest litigation case pertaining to lack of facilities and accommodation to pregnant women at Koti Maternity Hospital. The amicus report said that of the 244 staff posts, 157 staff posts including nurses, pharmacists are vacant. The report faulted the government report on cleanliness, construction of new blocks and vigilant maintenance. It said that waiting halls are insufficient, night shelters are not put to use and drinking water is scarce. Patients are forced to pay Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000 to the staff, the report said. The reports are disturbing and for the last 47 years, the staff was insufficient, the bench observed. It directed the Principal Secretary Medical Health and Family Welfare Department to ensure all the defects are rectified within in four weeks and an affidavit be filed on the same.

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