Telangana HC quashes State’s fee structure for medical, dental colleges

Hyderabad: A two Judge panel of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Shahmeem Aktar on Wednesday quashed the order of the State Government prescribing a fee structure for medical and dental colleges in the State. The panel was dealing with a bunch of writ pleas filed by various students of minority and non-minority institutions in the State contending that the order of the government lacks jurisdiction. The panel speaking through the Chief Justice pointed out that the colleges cannot charge any fee other than the fee fixed by the statutory fee regulatory committee. In view of the fact that the State Government transgressed its jurisdiction by deciding the fee, the government order has been struck down directing all minority and non-minority institutions to charge the fee prescribed by the regulatory committee itself.

Allot land to war widow, State told

A two judge panel of Telangana High Court consisting of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili on Wednesday allowed a writ appeal filed by a war widow, Bairoju Chulkamma seeking allotment of government land to an extent of 300 sq. yards. Earlier a single judge had dismissed her writ plea on the ground that she had withdrawn a similar plea earlier and she cannot file multiple writ petitions. Carving out an exception, Chief Justice pointed out that a poor widow, who genuinely believed the statement of the government, could not be put to such strict rigours. Chief Justice speaking for the panel pointed out that we are living in a free country because of the sacrifices made by such martyrs. The panel also pointed out that similarly persons were given 300 sq. yards each in Warangal district and there is no reason why the benefit cannot be extended to the petitioner. The government was accordingly directed to ensure allotment of land to the petitioner within four weeks.

Translation of HC orders into Telugu, Urdu

The Panel on Wednesday issued a notice to Registrar, High Court of Telangana, Chief Minister’s Office and the Secretary General, Supreme Court of India. A PIL was filed by M Murali Krishna to initiate steps to create an institutional mechanism for the translation of the High Court orders into Telugu and Urdu in the larger interest of public. Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma opined that there is software developed which automatically translates English into regional languages. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.

Cannot demolish buildings without notice

The same Panel of the High Court on Wednesday strictly affirmed that the government does not have the power to demolish buildings or any form of construction without giving any prior notice. A writ appeal was filed by one N Chakravarthy Jayalaxmi. The Advocate General, BS Prasad, appearing for the State, contended that based on certain guidelines, if the citizen is given the power to construct by violating the building bye laws, the Government has the power to demolish the said properties. Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma stated that the submission is rejected and wrong in law. The matter has been adjourned directing the petitioner to file a reply within 4 weeks. The Judge also opined that most revenue matters coming before the court have no appeal as a relief before the Government which has become a burden on the judicial system.