Hyderabad: A two-judge panel of Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy on Tuesday again voiced their disapproval of the manner in which rain water is being managed by the GHMC. The day was however saved by senior counsel S Niranjan Reddy who pointed out to the practical challenges faced by the civic body.
The panel was dealing with a suo moto PIL based on the news report pertaining to filling of potholes in the city by an elderly couple. Representing GHMC, senior counsel Niranjan Reddy told the court that the civic body had budget constraints. He explained about the Comprehensive Road Management Plan, grievance mechanism and MY GHMC application. The panel sought detailed statistics and actions related to the said programmes.
With regard to the elderly couple, he informed the court that they were asked to inform about the potholes and also if interested supervise the same. He said potholes were being filled up, concrete roads laid and drainage system was being looked into. However, when the Chief Justice questioned if steps had been taken to clear the drains before the monsoon, the senior counsel replied the entire network for an efficient drainage was incomplete.
‘Strictly implement animal welfare laws’
Justice K Lakshman of Telangana High Court directed the State government and Director General of Police to strictly implement the directions issued by Animal Welfare of India, in view of the upcoming Bakrid celebrations.
The judge was dealing with a writ plea filed by NGO Gau Gyan Foundation challenging the act of police officials in not taking any action against the illegal transporting of animals, though a particular complaint was raised through WhatsApp. The petitioner also sought appointment of a task force team along with the nodal officers for proper implementation of Telangana State Prohibition and Preservation of Cow Slaughter Act, 1977 and Transportation of Animal laws as per Motor Vehicle Act.
The judge after hearing the matter in detail issued a series of directions to the Director General of Police and other police officials to follow and implement all the orders in relation to transportation of animals passed by the division bench earlier. It also directed to take all precautionary measures to strictly implement the animal welfare laws to stop illegal killing of animals and to take stringent action against offenders. The judge posted the matter on August 2, for reports by the Director General of Police on the action taken by police officials.
Plea on cattle: Case adjourned
Justice K Lakshman in a writ petition filed by Mohd Ismail and 10 others, seeking the court to direct Superintendent of Police to release “186 bulls”, called for a veterinary report from the officials concerned. The judge was dealing with a petition seeking release of the cattle seized by police officials at Gadwal. Counsel for the petitioner informed the court that the cattle seized were not cows and further not fit for agricultural use and a report of the veterinary doctor was also there to that effect.
Government pleader informed the court that the cows were deposited in the court and stationed in a Gaushala. Further it was also informed that, the petitioners had moved the court for release of the cows. The judge adjourned the matter to Thursday with a direction to DSP to place the report of the veterinary doctor on record. Further, the court directed the petitioner to file necessary documents to show the ownership of the cattle before the court.
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