High Court-appointed Amicus Curiae to file report on Charkaman monuments

Hyderabad: The High Court division bench, comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili, on Tuesday heard the public interest litigation filed by Omprakash Soni of Gulzar Houz, alleging that illegal construction by unofficial respondents in the property at Iranigalli, is in violation of the sanctioned plan and damaging ancient structure as 'arbitrary' and 'illegal'.

It directed the government authorities to remove illegal and impermissible structures made in violation of sanctioned plan.

After hearing petitioner's counsel KV Rajasree, the CJ bench appointed senior advocate Raji Reddy and advocate Sriram as Amicus Curiae to look into the status of ancient monuments at Charkaman, Gulzar Houz, Charminar, where illegal constructions are taking place.

The bench directed the Amicus Curiae to file a detailed report on protection of Charkaman monuments.

CJ Sharma directed the government to file the counter within four weeks and directed the registry to list the matter after four weeks.

PIL in HC seeking directions to State to purchase jowar from farmers in Adilabad district

On Tuesday the High Court issued notices to the State government directing it to respond in four weeks, duly furnishing reasons, for not purchasing jowar (sorghum) from farmers of Adilabad district.

The division bench, comprising CJ Sharma and Justice Shavali heard the PIL filed by social activist Sangepu Borranna seeking a direction to the commissioner agriculture and the district agriculture officer, Adilabad, to consider the consistent demands of jowar farmers.

Counsel for petitioner Vasudha Nagraj informed the court that due to non-purchase of jowar from thousands of farmers, who cultivated around three lakh quintals it is lying idle in huge heaps and mounds at every village corner and fields. Though, the government assured farmers that it will purchase the entire jowar crop but failed to do so.

Prior to cultivating jowar, farmers raised cotton and witnessed huge losses due to which the government advised them to cultivate jowar. It was on the assurance and advice of the State, they started cultivating jowar. The State has gone back on its word, contended the petitioner.

The counsel informed the court that Adilabad is prone to suicides by farmers. The hearing was adjourned for four weeks.

PIL in HC to stop illegal transportation of cattle into State

On Tuesday the High Court issued notices to the State government directing it to respond in four weeks, duly furnishing reasons, for not taking effective steps on illegal transportation of cattle into the State.

The division bench comprising CJ Sharma and Justice Shavali heard the PIL filed by Gopal Rao Surabathula, secretary, Animal Rescue Organisation (NGO), seeking direction to State government to take effective steps to curtail illegal transportation of cattle into the State and implement the Provisions of Transportation of Animals Rules, 1978 (Amendment) 2001 & 2009, Prevention of cruelty to Animals Act for saving animals from cruelty by deploying adequate police at check-posts, around the State borders, including Cyberabad, Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Counsel for the petitioner Chinnolla Naresh Reddy informed the court that in view of Bakrid, the Animal Welfare Board of India, an arm of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, issued circulars every year to all the heads of department across the States, directing them to take necessary steps, like establishment of check-posts, checking illegal transport of milch animals and their illegal slaughtering and directing them to adhere to instructions--in absence of fitness certificate issued by a veterinary doctor, animals should not be allowed to get into the State, but such frisking is not being done.

Notices were issued to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home) Commissioners of Police, Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda, Commissioner of GHMC, the State Animal Welfare Board and Secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India, Faridabad, Haryana

Hearing in the case was adjourned to four weeks.