State’s ‘liberal stance’ on NY celebrations irks TS High Court panel

The Chief Justice wondered as to what the intent of the government was in giving open-ended permission to pubs and bars over midnight to usher in the New Year.

Hyderabad: A two-judge panel of the Telangana High Court, comprising Chief Justice Raghvendra Singh Chauhan and Justice B Vijayasen Reddy, on Thursday while hearing a batch of matters relating to the coronavirus voiced concern and anguish over the approach of the State government in allowing New Year celebrations. The Chief Justice wondered as to what the intent of the government was in giving open-ended permission to pubs and bars over midnight to usher in the New Year. The panel said the Director Public Health had on one hand gone public with a warning that the new strain of the coronavirus was more dangerous and on the other, the government had taken a very liberal stance. “Why is the government so irresponsible?” the panel wondered aloud.

The panel referred to bans imposed on the New Year celebrations in Maharashtra and Rajasthan and directed the government to immediately consider a ban on such group celebrations. The panel took suo moto notice of media reports and directed the government to submit a report by January 7. The panel was also informed of large gatherings at the weddings and other events by the petitioners. Further, the issue pertaining to taking biometric at ration shops was also raised. The panel directed the authorities to take steps to control such large gatherings and also ensure biometric was not used at ration shops. It will hear the matter on January 21.

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Illegal constructions in public places

The same panel directed the Nirmal Collector to take steps to stop all illegal constructions/developments at place earmarked for parks, picnics and playgrounds in Nirmal Urban Shivar, Nirmal Urban mandal. It also directed the authorities to ensure no damage to historical monuments — Soangarh, Shamgarh, Battisgarh and Bangalpet forts — and ancient remains in the district. Authorities were asked to file a report on the illegal constructions and action taken report. The panel was dealing with a public interest litigation case filed by Naresh, a practising advocate. The matter will be heard on January 21.

Plea against recruitment

The panel ordered notice to the Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Reserve Bank of India. A public interest litigation was filed by S Shrivastava seeking court’s directions to authorities to appoint an investigation officer or a competent authority to investigate the discrepancies committed by M Pulla Rao. He alleged Pulla Rao and other officers and employees were illegally recruited and have been placed in various departments, promoted and seized/ availed themselves of the benefits of the Superannuation Fund in Irdai. The panel adjourned the case to January 21.

Win for NRI candidate

A two-judge panel, comprising MS Ramchandra Rao and T Amarnath Goud, allowed a writ plea enabling an NRI candidate to take part in the counselling in the NRI quota. Keerthi Reddy was denied a seat as she did not satisfy the basic requirement of having studied Biology at the Plus-2 level. The panel rejected the defence of the authorities and pointed out that the international requirements of education were different, and the ground of disqualification was unsound in law.

 

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