Sheer violation of lockdown rules: High Court issues notice to MLA M Bhupal Reddy

Singh Chauhan and Justice Vijaysen Reddy issued notices to Narayankhed Assembly Constituency MLA Mahareddy Bhupal Reddy, in sheer violation of lockdown rules on his 61st Birthday celebrations on May 7 and the court directed him to respond to the notice within a week.

The CJ Bench hearing on public interest litigation on Thursday through video conference filed by social worker M Vittal, who hails from Narayankhed, Sangareddy District. Vittal informed the Bench that MLA M Bhupal Reddy celebrated his birthday in utter violation of the lockdown measures issued by the State and Central Governments under IPC and Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Further, the petitioner informed the bench that a congregation of nearly 500 persons were witnessed at the birthday bash in total contravention of the guidelines which at the most permit assembly of more than 20 persons for all political, social, religious, cultural gatherings and this congregation witnessed nearly 500 persons, wherein people ignored social distancing and most of them were seen without wearing face masks.

After hearing the contentions of the petitioner the CJ Bench issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, Sangareddy District Collector, SP Sangareddy and MLA M.Bhupal Reddy, directing them to respond to the contentions of the petitioners as that on what grounds the official administration and the police permitted the MLA Bhupal Reddy to celebrate his Birthday celebration so lavishly by inviting 500 persons to the celebrations and putting the lives of those people at risk of Covid-19.The case has been adjourned for a week.