Telangana HC suspends orders against KCR and Harish Rao

Justice K. Lakshman termed the lower court’s order as ‘absurd’ and directed the State Government to file its counter, while issuing notices to the complainant, Nagavelli Rajalingamurthy.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: In relief to former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and former Minister T Harish Rao, the Telangana High Court on Tuesday suspended the order issued by the Principal Sessions Judge of Jayashankar Bhupalapally District and the notices issued against them. Justice K. Lakshman termed the lower court’s order as ‘absurd’ and directed the State Government to file its counter, while issuing notices to the complainant, Nagavelli Rajalingamurthy.

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The two prominent political figures had approached the High Court challenging a revision petition filed by Rajalingamurthy, who accused them of corruption in connection with the collapse of the Medigadda Barrage. The Magistrate’s Court in Jayashankar Bhupalapally had dismissed the complaint earlier this year, ruling that it did not have jurisdiction over the matter, as it was not a Special Court under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, Rajalingamurthy filed a revision petition before the Principal Sessions Judge, who, despite initial objections over jurisdiction, allowed the petition to proceed. As a result, in August 2024, notices were issued to KCR, Harish Rao, and six others, directing them to respond. The High Court has now suspended the said order and consequent notices, with the next hearing scheduled for January 7, 2025.

Telangana HC takes up writ petition challenging refusal of permission to Bajrang Dal’s Shoba Yatra

The Telangana High Court on Tuesday took up a writ petition challenging the refusal of permission for the Bajrang Dal’s Shourya Yatra (Shobha Yatra) scheduled for December 25. Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, hearing the plea filed by Palle Prabhu Kumar Goud, directed the petitioner to modify the route of the yatra to avoid any potential disturbance near a church hosting a Christmas event attended by Telangana Chief Minister.

The petitioner argued that the refusal by the Superintendent of Police, Sangareddy, was arbitrary and unconstitutional, particularly as the Bajrang Dal had planned the event in advance and secured prior permissions. He further noted that no other religious processions were scheduled for the same day. Despite this, objections were raised due to the yatra’s proximity to a church hosting a Christmas celebration. The petitioner emphasized that rescheduling the rally was not feasible due to the confirmed participation of the Bajrang Dal president, who was traveling from Delhi and had prior engagements. He also assured the court that the event would not disrupt the Christmas celebrations and expressed willingness to adjust the yatra’s route if needed. Justice Vijaysen Reddy, highlighting the secular nature of the country, remarked that all citizens should be free to celebrate their festivals without hindrance. The court allowed the yatra to proceed, provided the petitioner modified the route to avoid any conflict with the church’s Christmas event. The revised route and venue were to be communicated to the authorities for further approval.