My Views & Legal News of AP

Andhra Pradesh High Court dismisses plea for probe against mantris

2011-12-30T21:22:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Dec 29 : Justice N.R.L. Nageswara Rao of the AP High Court on Thursday upheld an order of the CBI Court in dismissing a plea seeking a direction to the CBI to probe the role of six ministers and eight senior IAS officers in connection with the assets case against the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Mr P. Sudhakar Reddy, an advocate from Nellore, filed a private petition in the CBI court of the city urging it to direct the CBI to probe six ministers and eight senior IAS officers, who worked under Jagan Mohan Reddy’s father Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy when he was the chief minister of the state. The CBI court has dismissed his plea and he moved the High Court.

Justice Nageswara Rao ruled that the complaint of the petitioner was not being supported with any evidence and the investigation of the CBI is already on and therefore, there cannot be any parallel inquiry to be taken up by the CBI court. The judge said if there are any deficiencies in the CBI investigation, the petitioner can approach the division bench that ordered the probe against Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Bring scheme for convicts’ kids: Andhra Pradesh High Court

2011-12-28T21:13:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Dec 27 : A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar, of the High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to work out a scheme to take care of children whose both parents are lodged in jail. The bench was moved by a case in which four children of convict-parents went missing and traced after three years. The eldest girl, however, is yet to be traced.

The children’s mother, Sharada, had moved the court, seeking their custody. Sharada's counsel told the court that she and her husband Rajpal Singh were sentenced for life for the murder of a relative over property, in 2005. The convicts’ children stayed with their grand mother till 2008. On May 21, 2008, the children Meena, Meenakshi, Sra-van and Baadal (all siblings) and their relative’s daughter Durga Bhavani left the house and did not return.

Their grandmother lodged a complaint with the police. When efforts to trace them failed, the children’s father wrote a letter to the Chief Justice, seeking his intervention in tracing out his children. Treating the letter as a writ, the High Court directed the police to trace the children within three months and handed them over to their grandmother.

According to the police, the five children left for Guntur where a woman noticed them wandering in streets and got them admitted at Sri Sri Rav-ishankar Seva Mandir. On December 17, one of the children, Meenakshi came to the city and met her mother Sharada, who was released from prison.

With the information provided by Meenakshi, a police team went to Guntur and traced the other children, except the elder daughter. Sharada approached the court for the custody of her children as the cops were under direction to give custody of the children to their grandmother. After a brief talk with the children, the Chief Justice directed the cops to hand over three children to Sharada and custody of Durga Bhavani to be given to her uncle.

Observing that there was no scheme to look after the children in such cases, the Chief Justice ordered the women and child welfare department to come out with a scheme concerning such children. The bench also directed the police to trace Sharada’s elder daughter.

Andhra Pradesh High Court asks why Reliance is not part of CBI probe

2011-12-06T21:24:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec 5 : The AP High Court on Monday asked why Reliance Industries has not been made one of the parties in the plea by Ms Vijayalakshmi, wife of Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, seeking a CBI probe into the alleged amassing of wealth by former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar commenced its hearing on the pleas of Mr Naidu, media baron Ramoji Rao, TD MP Nama Nageswara Rao, TD vice-president and Rithwik Projects promoter C.M. Ramesh, actor turned realtor M. Murali Mohan and Kakinada seaport promoter Mr K.V. Rao seeking vacation of the interim orders granted against them.

Referring to the allegations of the petitioner with regard to alleged nexus between Mr Ramoji Rao and Reliance Industries in finalising the KG Basin exploration deal and investment by Reliance through Nimesh Kampani into Mr Ramoji Rao’s firms, the CJ asked why Reliance had not been made party in the plea.

The CJ also sought to know from the CBI about the guidelines of the agency in conducting a regular and preliminary probe. The Chief Justice also pointed out the possibilities of adopting coercive methods by the CBI or state police during the probe and protection of the fundamental rights of the parties in the plea. The High Court on November 14 directed the CBI, Enforcement Dire-ctorate, and the state police department to investigate into various alleged acts of ‘indulgence’ by Mr Naidu, former chief minister and his alleged conduits and submit reports in sealed cover to the HC within three months. Aggrieved by it Mr Naidu and others filed special leave petitions before the Supreme Court by contending that the HC will not provide them an opportunity of being heard and passed an ex-parte order.

The apex court requested the High Court to hear their grievance and pass appropriate orders. Then they moved the HC seeking vacation of the order. Mr Sushil Kumar, Jaideep Gupta and Neeraj Kishan Kaul, senior counsel from the Supreme Court, arguing on behalf of Ms Vijayalakshmi contended that the High Court is yet to form an opinion in the context of the criminal culpability of the respondents and the stage had not yet to come to hear the respondents.

They said that interim order of the High Court was well written and well guarded with regard to the fundamental rights of the parties. Mr Anil Dewan, senior counsel arguing for Mr. Ramoji Rao said that the state police have to invoke the CRPc to conduct probe against his client which will have an adverse impact on the prestige and image of his client. Arguments will continue on Wednesday.

2011-11-14T23:38:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Nov 14: Ordering one of its most comprehensive inquires, the AP high court on Monday ordered the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate, the state police and the state government to inquire into the alleged acts of “indulgence’ Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu during his tenure as chief minister.
The court asked the agencies to submit separate reports of the inquiries within 90 days.
A division bench of acting Chief Justice Ghulam Mohammed and Justice Nooty Ramamohana Rao of gave the interim order while admitting a plea by Ms Y.S. Vijayalakshmi, wife of then chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and mother of YSR Congress leader Jaganmohan Reddy.
The former chief minister and his family members and his associates now face probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Money Laundering Act, 2002. The investigation agencies will look into the allegations against the TD chief in respect of allotment of lands, grant of licenses, and decisions which were taken by him as chief minister. The agencies will also probe Mr Naidu’s actions with regard to disinvestment and in that process allegedly acquiring wealth which was disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The order covers 15 family members and friends of Mr Naidu, including his wife Bhuvaneswari Devi, son Lokesh, the family-run Heritage Foods and Mr Abobila Rao alias Billy Rao of IMG Bharata, media baron Ch. Ramoji Rao and his company Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd, and Mr Yelamanchili Satyanarayana Chowdhary alias Sujana Chowdhary,
Others whose affairs will come under the scanner include V. Nagaraja Naidu, a distant relative of Mr Naidu, Madhucon Sugar and Power Industries Ltd represented by its founder Nama Nageswara Rao, Lok Sabha member, Maganti Rajababu alias Murali Mohan, film actor-turned-realtor, Karnati Venkateswara Rao, chairman of Kakinada Sea Ports Ltd, and Chintakunta Munuswamy Ramesh alias C.M. Ramesh, chairman of Rithwik group of companies.
The petitioner, Ms Vijayalakshmi, alleged that Mr Nadu had amassed wealth through illegal means and had misused his position as chief minister.
The bench pointed out, “We have bestowed our anxious consideration to the various statements of facts and the legal principles on the subject. We are of the opinion that the petitioner has made out a case of misuse and or abuse of power and also acts of indulgence shown by the former chief minister, warranting admission of this petition.”

Y S Vijayalakshmi’s petition will spread net wide

2011-11-14T23:25:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Nov 14: The business affairs between Mr. Chandrababu Naidu with media baron Ch. Ramoji Rao and Nimesh Kampani, a close aide of Mukesh Ambani, will come under the scanner following the AP High Court order directing a probe into the former chief minister.
Ms Y.S. Vijayalakshmi’s petition, which was admitted by the High Court, alleged that the duo enjoyed government benefits when Mr. Naidu was Chief Minister. Ms Vijayalakshmi alleged that Mr Naidu had not taken any measures to protect state’s interest; instead, he used Mr. Rao as a conduit to generate wealth for himself and for the media baron. In the process, Mr. Naidu ignored advice tendered by senior officials, the plea said.
The petitioner alleged that Reliance Industries, which was granted exploration rights in the K-G basin, had helped itself to a whopping amount of wealth and as a quid pro quo helped TD chief Chandrababu Naidu and Mr Ramoji Rao to illegally amass wealth.
The petition alleged that Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd, owned by Mr. Ramoji Rao and his family, was in need of Rs 2,600 crore to repay investors and that two associates of Mukesh Ambani had floated six companies in quick succession between December 2007 and January 2008 at the same address at Worli, Mumbai, where Reliance has its corporate office. The industrial house diverted Rs 2,604 crore to the accounts of the newly-floated companies, according to the petition.
Two of those companies, Equator Trading Enterprises Ltd and Anu Trading, entered into an agreement with Mr Ramoji Rao and Ushodaya to divert the money in the guise of acquiring shares in Ushodaya. The petition alleged that at that time Ushodaya was facing a loss of Rs 59.19 crore. But Equator and Anu Trading had picked up shares of the loss-making company, valued at Rs 100 each, at a whopping premium of Rs 5,28,630 per share.
Ms Vijayalakshmi said that these investments were done through Nimesh Kampani, a close aide of Mukesh Ambani of Reliance. The petitioner contended that there were gross financial irregularities committed by Mr. Ramoji Rao and that there is a tacit understanding between Chandrababu Naidu and him, which deserves to be investigated thoroughly.

Quo warranto hearing put off till Nov. 9 : MLA Venugopala Chary filed Quo Warranto against N. Kiran Kumra Reddy

2011-11-03T23:25:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Nov 2:A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Ghulam Mohammed and Justice Nooty Ramamohana Rao of the AP High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on a petition for issuance of a Writ of Quo Warranto against Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy to show under what constitutional authority he holds the office of the Chief Minister, to next Wednesday.

The petitioner, Mudhole MLA S. Venugopala Chary had on Tuesday filed the plea, saying that Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy and his government lacked majority support in the Legislative Assembly. Mr. S. Ramachandra Rao, senior counsel arguing for the petitioner, citing the Apex Court directions in Ms Jayalalithaa’s case, contended that writ of quo warranto is maintainable against the Chief Minister.

He argued that the Union of India has a duty under Article 355 of the Constitution to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the Constitution. “Despite the said constitutional mandate, the Union of India failed to act to ascertain or rebut the question whether Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy's government has necessary legislative confidence or not,” he wondered.

Terming the Chief Minister as usurper, the senior counsel contended that the advocate- general had no right to defend the Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy in this case. The CM has to defend his case on his own or through a counsel, the petitioner said. Justice Ramamohana Rao pointed out that if the Chief Minister filed an affidavit before the court by claiming that he had a support of 148 MLA's to run the government, what would be next?

The counsel replied that the affidavit was not enough to close the case; the court can direct the Chief Minister to prove his majority on the floor of Assembly.

Madan Bhimrao Lokur is new CJ of AP High Court

2011-11-03T23:01:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Nov 2 : Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur will take charge as Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court by November 15. He is currently the Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court. President Pratibha Patil’s transfer orders to this effect reached Hyderabad on Wednesday evening.

Justice Lokur’s meteoric rise to the top

Born on December 31, 1953, Justice Lokur studied at Modern School, New Delhi and St. Joseph's Collegiate in Allahabad. He completed his graduation in History (Hons.) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University in 1974. After obtaining his LL.B. degree from Delhi University in 1977, he enrolled as an Advocate-on-Record in the SC in 1981 and appointed as Central Government Sta-nding Counsel in Dec. 1990. He continued in the post till December 1996. In February 1997, he was designated as Senior Advocate and was appoi-nted as Addtl. Solicitor-General on July 14, 1998.

Justice Lokur was appointed as Additional Judge of Delhi High Court on February 19, 1999, and became a permanent judge on July 5, 1999. He was elevated as the CJ of Guwahati High Court on June 24, 2010.

Andhra Pradesh High Court adjourns hearing on Naidu’s wealth

2011-11-02T23:07:00.004+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Nov 1:A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Ghulam Mohammed and Justice Nooty Rama-mohana Rao of the AP High Court on Tuesday wondered whether the share value of a company could be as high as Rs 5 lakh.

The bench was hearing a plea against the TD chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, by Ms Y.S. Vijayalakshmi, wife of late chief minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, seeking a probe into alleged amassing of wealth by Mr Naidu, through illegal gratification when he was the chief minister of the state. Mr Sushil Kumar, senior counsel from the Supreme Court, appearing for the petitioner explained to the court about various deals including land allotment to IMG Bharata, Krishna Godavari Basin gas supply agreement with Reliance and the role of media baron Mr Ch. Ramoji Rao in finalising the gas deal.

He said the IMG deal was finalised within three days of incorporating the IMG Academy without referring it to the Cabinet. The successive government ordered a CBI probe into the deal and the Centre did not accord its consent till date on the decision. He alleged that in consideration for the favour done by Mr Naidu in allowing the state’s KG Basin claim to be brushed under the carpet, the Reliance group facilitated the payout of Mr Ramoji Rao’s debts to his depositors.

He said one of the close associates of the Reliance Group, Mr Nimesh Kampani, extended himself in ensuring that Mr Ramoji Rao would be bailed out. Within a short span of 37 days between December 2007 and January 2008, six “shell companies” were floated on three addresses, which are shown as Sriram Mills Compound, Worli, which is the official address of Reliance Industries Limited. Reliance diverted Rs 2,604 crores of its shareholders money through the shell companies to Mr Kampani’s Equator Trading India Limited and Chajlani’s Anu Trading.

According to the Form 2, filed by Ushodaya Enterprises with the Registrar of Companies, shares allotted to Equator Trading Enterprises Ltd are shown at a premium of Rs 5,28,630 per share. The senior counsel contended that obliviously it must be a pay off.

Referring to the growth of Heritage Food owned by Mr Naidu’s family, the senior counsel contended that the material which they produced before the court was sufficient to order a preliminary probe against the irregularities committed by Mr Naidu and his associates when they are in power. He urged the court to order a preliminary inquiry by the CBI against TD chief. The court adjourned the hearing.

Andhra Pradesh High Court to take up plea against Chnadrababu Naidu today

2011-11-01T23:35:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,Oct 31 : The AP High Court will hear on Tuesday Y.S. Vijayalakshimi’s plea against Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu seeking a probe by the CBI into the alleged amassing of wealth by the latter when he was the chief minister.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Just-ice Ghulam Mohammed and Justice Nooty Ramamohana Rao will hear the case.

Ms Vijayalakshmi had contended that Mr Naidu’s acts in allotting lands and granting benefits and exe-mptions to several institutions and individuals as the chief minister would attract provisions of various penal laws.

AP response to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation plea sought by HC

2011-10-08T23:30:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad,Oct 7 : The vacation judge of the AP High Court Justice B. Seshasayana Reddy on Friday sought to know the response of the state government on a plea by the Karnataka Road Transport Corporation seeking a direction to the government to provide protection to its bus services operating from various places of Karnataka to AP.

The judge was dealing with the petition by the divisional controller of North East Karnataka, Bidar division. The petitioner stated that their corporation was operating 175 services to border villages in AP and Hyderabad from their state. He said that one of their buses was attacked by the agitators at Zaheerabad on September 20, 2011 and their bus crew approached the Medak district police requesting them to provide protection to the passengers and the crew of the bus.
However, the police authorities expressed their inability to provide security to the bus. While directing the government’s counsel to respond on the plea, the judge posted the case after three weeks.

Notice to Andhra Pradesh Government on ‘shortfall’ of power supply

2011-10-01T23:23:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Sept 30: A division bench comprising Justice V.V.S. Rao and Justice K.G. Shankar of the AP High Court on Friday issued notices to the state government on a petition alleging that the government was creating artificial shortage of power in Telangana region on the pretext of the ongoing strike by the workers of Singareni Collieries.

The bench was dealing with a petition by Amarachinta Lift Irrigation Farmers Association of Mahbubnagar represented by its secretary Mr Anjaneyulu. Mr D. Prakash Reddy, senior counsel appearing for the petitioners contended that it was nothing but a deliberate attempt by the government to push farmers into trouble by creating artificial scarcity of power through reduction of hydel power generation.

He cited the statistics to show that the power produced from hydro-electric projects has been reduced drastically this year though the major reservoirs are full. Mr Reddy said the Electricity Act empowers the state government to give a direction to the private producers not to sell their power outside the state, but the government was not using that authority. He stated that the action of the government has resulted in shortage and the farming community was bearing the brunt. While issuing the notices to the respondents, the bench adjourned the case to October 10.

Andhra Pradesh High Court clears Group-1 exam to be held from September 25

2011-09-24T23:03:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Sept 23 :The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday allowed the AP Public Service Commission to conduct Group I examinations as scheduled, by refusing to stay the notification issued for the recruitment of 110 posts. The examinations are scheduled to be held from Sept. 25 to October.

This decision sets the stage for a major showdown between the state government and Telangana supporters.

While partially allowing the writ petitions challenging the notification, a division bench comprising Justice V.V.S. Rao and Justice K. G. Shankar directed that the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission allow the 1004 left out candidates who secured 83 marks out of 150 in the screening test, to appear for the main examination.

The court refused the plea to add additional vacant posts to the existing list and said that the examination should be conducted for the posts announced at the time of notification. The court observed that the APPSC should continue the cut-off mark of 83 for the main examination to put an end to further controversy.

Referring to the controversy with regard to cut-off marks, the bench said, “We may reiterate that at the stage of screening test, all the candidates who secured the cut-off mark, whether it is 150 out of 150 or 83 out of 150, are one class, because it only enables them to participate in the written test.”

The bench made it clear that if any rule, government order or decision of the APPSC, or the recruitment notification, requires a time gap between the screening test and main test, then any such condition, given the peculiar facts and circumstances of these cases, shall not be applicable to the main exam to be held on September 25.

While the Telangana supporters are demanding postponement of exams in view of the Sakala Janula Samme, the government has made it clear that there is no question of postponement at his stage. The Telangana leaders have threatened to disrupt the exam to be held in centres in Hyderabad and Warangal in the Telangana region if the government remains adamant.

Andhra Pradesh High Court issues notice to KCR, AP, Centre over ongoing T-strike

2011-09-20T23:40:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Sept 19 :A division bench comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday issued notices to the Telangana Rastra Samiti chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Telangana Joint Action of Committee (political) convener, Professor Kodandaram, Telangana NGOs Association, state government and the Centre on a plea seeking a direction to prevent the indefinite general strike by all employees of Telangana region.

The bench was dealing with a petition filed by Mr P. Venkata Narayana, a practicing advocate from Visakhapatnam seeking a direction to declare the inaction of the government in not preventing the on going agitation by Telangana employees. Mr P.V. Krishnaiah, counsel for the petitioner said that the entire agitation aimed at the state government was misconceived as it was not for the state government to grant a separate state and in any event in light of Article 371 D, the question of granting a separate state did not arise. He contended that the government employees could not go on a strike on an issue not related to their service and therefore the call for strike was illegal. The bench directed the respondents to file their counter affidavits on the plea within a week.

AP High Court lets CBI loose on Jagan & Co.

2011-08-11T03:53:00.002+05:30

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a case against the YSR Congress chief and Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and his associate companies including his investors
By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Aug 10 : The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a case against the YSR Congress chief and Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and his associate companies including his investors.

The High Court directed the CBI to register the case under the provisions of the IPC, Prevention of Corru-ption Act, and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, apart from criminal conspiracy.

While disposing two petitions by the textile minister, Dr P. Shankar Rao, and the Telugu Desam’s Mr Yerrannaidu, and others, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar pointed out that the investments made in Mr Jagan’s companies were nothing but a form of corruption that attracted Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Referring to the allegations of Dr Shankar Rao and the TD leaders, the Bench pointed out that prima facie it had emerged from records that from May 2004, Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy had floated a number of firms, which got investment from several companies which in turn benefited from the government in various forms like SEZs, irrigation contracts, relaxation and permission for real estate ventures.

The bench observed that he was connected with companies which were showing phenomenal growth and these facts made it necessary to ascertain the role of individuals, firms and public servants

AP High Court dismisses third plea against Jagan

2011-08-11T03:34:00.001+05:30

The AP High Court on Wednesday dismissed third petition by Mr K.K. Sherwani, a practicing advocate from Kadapa, against YSR Congress chief, Mr Jaganmohan Reddy.

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug 10:The AP High Court on Wednesday dismissed third petition by Mr K.K. Sherwani, a practicing advocate from Kadapa, against YSR Congress chief, Mr Jaganmohan Reddy.

The petitioners sought the direction from the court to call for and examine the records connected with three GOs issued by the state government in favour of Vanpic, Raghuram cements, when Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy was the chief minister and also to probe into the investments in Jagan firms.

The court dismissed the plea by observing that the petitioner has failed to explain and substantiate the source and authenticity of the information.

The following companies and individuals are to be probed by the CBI after the AP High Court order in the Jagan assets case.

2011-08-11T03:30:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Aug 10 :

The following companies and individuals are to be probed by the CBI after the AP High Court order in the Jagan assets case.

* India Cements Limited, represented by its chairman, Chennai
* Dalmia Cements (Bharati) Limited, New Delhi represented by its chairman.
* Penna Cements Group, represented by its director P. Pratap Reddy, Sriniketan, Hyderabad
* Lanco group (Sridhar) represented by its directors Lagadpati Sridhar and Sirisha, Vasantha Nagar, Bengaluru
* Sajjala Group (Obulapuram Mining Company Group) represented by its directors S. Divakar Reddy, N. Sangi Reddy and G. Muralidhar, Krishna Sindhu Residency, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
* B. Purushothama Naidu, Plot No. 10, AP Photographers Colony, Road No. 10, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad.
* Sandesh Laos (P) Ltd. Rep. by its directors J.V. Ramana Reddy & M. Nagi Reddy, 1283, Road No. 64, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
* PVP Business Ventures(P) Ltd, Rep. by Potuluri Vara Prasad, Hyderabad
* Cuboid Realtors(P) Ltd, Rep. by Potuluri Vara Prasad, Hyderabad
* Mantle Realtors(P) Ltd, Rep. by Potuluri Vara Prasad, Hyderabad
* Metaphor Real Estate & Projects (P) Ltd, Rep by Potuluri Vara Prasad, Hyderabad
* PVP Business Towers (P) Ltd, Rep. by Potuluri Vara Prasad, Hyderabad
* G2 Corporate Services Limited, Rep. by Nimmagadda Prasad, Hyderabad
* Sughum Constructions (P) Ltd, Rep. by Nimmagadda Prasad, Hyderabad
* Alpha Villas (P) Ltd, Rep. by Nimmagadda Prasad, Hyderabad
* Alpha Avenues (P) Ltd, Rep. by Nimmagadda Prasad, Hyderabad
* Beta Avenues (P) Avenues (P) Ltd, Rep. by Nimmagadda Prasad, Hyderabad
* Gillchrist Investments (P), Rep. by Nimmagadda Prasad, Hyderabad
* Indira Television Ltd. Sakshi Towers, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* Jagati Publications Ltd, Sakshi Towers, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* Carmel Asia Holdings (P) Ltd. Office at 56B/34, 1st Main Vyalikaval, Lower Palace Orchards, Bengaluru
* Janam Infrastructural (P) Ltd, 56B/34, 1st Main Vyalikaval, Lower Palace Orchards, Bengaluru
* Bhagavath Sannidhi Estates (P) Ltd. Office at 56B/34, 1st Main Vyalikaval, Lower Palace Orchards, Bengaluru
* Classic Realty Private Limited Office No. 84, 16th Cross, 14th Main, 4th Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru
* Bharathi Cement Corporation Limited, Office at 8-2-269/S/98, Sagar Society, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* Silicon Builders(P) Ltd. Office at 56B/34, 1st Main Vyalikaval, Lower Palace Orchards, Bengaluru
* Capstone Infrastructure(P) Ltd. Office at 56B/34, 1st Main Vyalikaval, Lower Palace Orchards, Bengaluru
* Pulivendula Polymers (P) Ltd. Office at 269/S/98, Sagar Society, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* Harish Infrastructure Private Limited Office at 56B/34, 1st Main Vyalikaval, Lower Palace Orchards, Bengaluru
* RR Global Enterprises Private Limited Office at 8-2-120/86/3 Krishna Sindhu Residency Road No. 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* Kanti Conductors Ltd. Office at 8-2-268-C/10/C, Aurora Colony, Road No. 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* Sandesh Labs (P) Ltd. Office at 6-103/166, Gulmohar Park, Serilingampally, Hyderabad
* Swagruha Hotels (P) Ltd. Office at 102, Empress Court, Khairatabad, Hyderabad
* Jubilee Media Communications Private Ltd Office at No. 5, 1st Floor, 1st Cross, 8th Vasantha Nagar, Bengaluru
* ERES Projects (P) Ltd Office at 501 Nirman Ratna Apartments, Chandanagar, Hyderabad
* M. Srinivasa Reddy, Plot No.933, Vivekanandanagar Colony, Kukatpally, Hyderabad
* G. Srinivasa Raju, Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad
* A.K. Dandamudi, 83, Gunrock Enclave, Secunderabad
* K.Srinivasa Naidu & Ors, Plot No.27, Sagar Society, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* Ajay Garapati, 1260 Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
* Madav Ramachandran, 196, Nandi Durga Road, Jaimal Extension, Bengaluru
* G. Ananth Sena Reddy, Plot No. 18, Road No. 9, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
* K. Prasad Reddy, Road No. 10, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
* D. Sarojanamma and D. Srinivasulu Reddy, A-21, Anna Nagar, Chennai-600 02
* Mr Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, former Member of Parliament, Kadapa Lok Sabha Constituency, Kadapa, Kadapa District

Taxman says will try Jagan on false returns

2011-08-04T14:44:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Aug3:

The Income-Tax department on Wednesday informed the Andhra Pradesh High Court that it would prosecute the YSR Congress chief and Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the promoter of Jagati Publication, under the provisions of the Income-Tax Act.

Mr J.V. Prasad, counsel for the I-T department, submitted before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar, that the department had filed an affidavit in this regard.

The Bench was dealing with a petition by the Telugu Desam leaders seeking a direction to prosecute Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy under the provisions of the I-T Act for filing false assessments regarding the publications owned by him.

According to the I-T department’s affidavit, Jagati Publication’s total taxable income for 2008-2009 was Rs.272.65 crore.

The affidavit disclosed that penalty proceedings under provisions of the I-T Act had already been initiated against the Kadapa MP’s publication

Court: Can’t make AP take Jagan stand

2011-08-03T15:07:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, Aug 2 : The AP High Court on Tuesday was not inclined to insist that the state government spell out its stand on petitions seeking a CBI probe into alleged amassing of wealth by the YSR Congress president, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Mr K.T.S. Tulsi, senior counsel appearing for Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy, contended that the fate and political future of his client depended on the stand being taken by the government as the allegations have been levelled against him by none other than a member of the present council of ministers.

Mr Tulsi also pointed out that none of the Government Orders giving land allotments to firms associated with Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy have been challenged and cautioned that the High Court should be careful when such wild and reckless allegations are made.

Jagan says plea against him has political slant

Mr K.T.S. Tulsi, senior counsel appearing for Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy, said if an investigation was ordered on him, nearly 75 per cent of the Cabinet will be under investigation.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar of the AP High Court was hearing the suo motu plea based on a letter by Mr P. Shankar Rao, the textiles minister alleging disproportionate assets of Mr Jagan.While urging the bench to insist that the government spell out its stand, Mr Tulsi said it cannot hide behind the court to gain credibility for its baseless allegations.

Indicating disinclination of the bench to insist that the state spells out its stand, Chief Justice Kakru said, “We issued notice to the government and we granted time but it did not respond.”

Mr Tulsi’s contention was that the petitions against his client were political and personal and therefore should not be entertained, and based on such pleas, the court cannot order a probe.He said a day after the decision of his client to quit the Congress, the letter of the MLA (Mr Shankar Rao) had landed in the High Court with an intention to compel his client not to resign from the party.

Mr Tulsi alleged that Mr Shankar Rao was rewarded with a Cabinet berth just a week after writing the letter.Mr Tulsi argued that the investors paid a premium to buy shares in Mr Jagan’s firms, including Bharati Cements and Jagati Publications, after following the progress and success of his ventures.

He said the Vanpic project was actually awarded to the Kingdom of Ras-al-Khaima, which in turn roped in Mr N. Prasad, ex-promoter of Matrix Laboratories, as a local partner.

Mr L. Nageswara Rao, senior counsel for Mr N. Prasad objected to the petitioners terming the Vanpic project illegal. He said after filing the writs the state did not scrap the project nor did it change any earlier policy under which such projects were awarded.

The counsels representing other respondent firms in the pleas told the court that their clients had made investments only on business considerations.

CBI submits ‘damning’ report on Jagan assets

2011-07-27T15:11:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,July 26: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday submitted its preliminary inquiry reports into the alleged amassing of wealth by the YSR Congress president, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and controversial land deals of the AP Industrial Corporation, in sealed covers to the AP High Court.
CBI sources said that there was prima facie evidence of irregularities in land allotments made to many companies, which had in turn invested huge amounts of money in Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy’s company during YSR’s regime. The CBI said that these had been brought to the notice of the High Court through the preliminary inquiry report and it was now up to the court to pass appropriate orders for further investigation.

The Joint director of the CBI, Mr V. Lakshmi-narayana, submitted four sealed covers to the registry at the High Court on Tuesday. The High Court has listed the petitions for hearing on Wednesday. The High Court, on July 11 and 12, had passed orders directing the CBI to initiate a probe against Emaar Properties and the YSR Congress chief and had asked them to complete it within two weeks.

HC to decide on giving CBI probe report

The Central Bureau of Investigation has sought directions from the High Court regarding the Supreme Court’s permission to furnish copies of the reports to the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Tuesday. The Kadapa MP and three other companies had challenged the High Court’s order before the apex court.

While dismissing their petition, a Bench of the apex court had observed that the respondents might seek the copies of the report. Sources said that the High Court thus issued necessary instructions to the CBI for furnishing copies of the reports to Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy and his associates. The High Court had asked the CBI to probe into Emaar and Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy’s assets following two letters from the textile minister, Dr P. Shankar Rao, and the TD leader, Mr Yerrannaidu, and others.

APIIC defends stalling registration

2011-07-24T15:24:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,July 23: The AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) defended its stand before the AP High Court in stalling the registration of properties to purchasers by the Emaar Properties Ltd. Earlier, the APIIC had asked the state government to restrain the Stamps and Registration department from registering the properties by Emaar and subsequently the government issued a GO. The High Court granted stay on the GO on a plea by Ms Boulder Hills Villas Owners Association questioning the government’s action in stalling registrations. The HC asked APIIC to file its reply to the plea.

The APIIC in its counter affidavit contended that it is a public sector entity which is part and parcel of the state, it has the power to stop registrations under the Section 22(A)(1)(e) of the Registrations Act.
It told the court that the Boulder Hills Association could not furnish either the list of its members or its own registration certificate. The APIIC brought to the notice of the court that when it noticed several violations of agreements between it and Emaar, it initiated civil and criminal action against the company by filing cases before appropriate authorities. The corporation said according to the agreement Emaar Properties can sell the property and not the Emaar MGF, which had no title over the property. It also said that customers had no right to approach the HC against the GO, as Emaar cheated them by registering properties through Emaar MGF, which had no such power.

Court notice to TRS on bandh

2011-07-15T14:47:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, July 14 : A division bench of Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Vilas V. Afzulpurkar of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Telangana Rashtra Samiti president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, the Telangana Joint Action Committee (political) convener, Prof. Kodandaram, and also the Centre and the state governments, on a petition questioning the ongoing rail roko.

The bench was hearing a plea by the president of the Warangal district consumer forum, Mr S. Chakrapani, seeking a direction to declare the action of the government in not taking any steps, including preventive methods, to restrain the TRS and the TJAC from conducting the rail roko agitation, as arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional.

Mr Chakrapani told the court that various political parties in the Telangana region resorted to various agitations to demand that the Union of India introduce the Telangana Bill, and in that process the people of the state, particularly in Telangana, are put to so much inconvenience and deprived of their personal liberty and their livelihood, which is against Article 21 of the Constitution.

Enumerating the recent agitations — bandhs, rasta rokos and rail rokos — organised by various parties including the TRS and the TJAC, he urged the court to recover damages caused to public and private properties due to these bandhs and other agitations, from the political parties that inflicted them.

The bench directed the respondents to file their replies to the plea within two weeks

Dinesh posting challenged

2011-07-08T15:00:00.000+05:30

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, July 7 :

The controversy surrounding the appointment of the DGP refused to die down as another petition came up before the Central Administrative Tribunal on Thursday challenging the appointment of Mr V. Dinesh Reddy as the head of Police Force (HOPF).

The petition was filed in the Central Administrative Tribunal by the principal secretary to the home department, Mr P. Gautam Kumar.

It may be noted that the CAT had earlier quashed the appointment of Mr K. Aravinda Rao as DGP terming it as illegal on a petition also filed by Mr Gautam Kumar.

The CAT had directed the state government to send a panel of six senior officers to the Union Public Service Commission to enable it to prepare a panel for the selection of the new DGP.

AP High Court stalls GO on land to Sompeta

2011-06-24T04:30:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, June 23 : The AP High Court has suspended the operation of a GO issued by the state government that had set aside land for construction of a thermal power plant at Sompeta in Srikakulam district.

With this the Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC) received another blow as the National Environment Appellate Authority had earlier quashed the environment clearance granted to the plant by the Centre.

Meanwhile on Thursday, the 567th day of the relay hunger strike launched against the power project, the villagers of the area and members of the Paryavarana Parirakshana Samiti rejoiced and welcomed the interim orders of the High Court.

The villagers claimed that it was a great victory for the people who had been agitating against the proposed power plant for many years.

The state government had alienated 972.69 acres of land, locally known as “Beela” land, to the NCC to set up a 2640 MW coal-based thermal power plant through a GO on September 15, 2008. It had claimed that the lands were waste lands.

While admitting a plea by local farmers, Justice Nooty Ramamohana Rao made it clear that as the GO was suspended, the land should not be used for other purposes.

The local farmers had been against the plant as they said that they would lose their livelihood if the plant was set up. During their agitation, two farmers had been killed in police firing on July 14, 2010.

Rajus get 1week to give staff names

2011-06-16T04:32:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,June 15: Justice Ravishankar of the AP High Court on Wednesday directed the disgraced chairman of Satyam Computers, B. Ramalinga Raju, and his brother B. Rama Raju to provide within a week the names of the Satyam employees for cross-examination.

The judge was dealing with a petition filed by Raju brothers challenging the orders of the trial court which rejected their plea to direct the CBI to furnish certain documents pertaining to the Satyam scam. The CBI has been opposing the plea saying that the documents were irrelevant. Mr T. Niranjan Reddy, counsel for the CBI, said Ramalinga Raju and his brother are seeking the service details of 52,000 employees, furnishing of which was not an easy task.

Mr Nalin Kumar, counsel for Ramalinga Raju, told the court that certain employees deposed against his clients in the trial court charging the Rajus with allotting shares of the company in an unlawful form to certain individuals. He said that they want to cross examine them and for that they need certain documents The judge after hearing both the parties directed the Rajus to tell the court within a week as to who were the employees they wish to cross examine and also the details of the documents they were seeking. The Supreme Court earlier fixed July 31 as deadline for the trial court to complete the trial in the Satyam case. The trial court is moving ahead with the trial at a brisk pace. The CBI too has reduced its list of witnesses and completed the job of producing their versions before the trial court.

Jagan challenges petitions filed against him

2011-06-08T04:07:00.001+05:30

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad,June 7: The Kadapa MP and YSR Congress president, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Tuesday submitted before the Andhra Pradesh High Court that all the petitions filed against him are desperate attempts of politically motivated elements. He filed counter affidavits on petitions filed against him by the textile minister, Mr P. Shankar Rao, TD leaders and also Mr Sherwani, a practising advocate from Kadapa by urging the court to look at the fact that all the petitions were singularly targeted against him.

Mr Shankar Rao and TD leaders filed different petitions against Mr Jagan seeking a CBI probe into his wealth by misusing the official position of his father Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy when he was the Chief Minster. Mr Jagan told the court that the petitioners Mr Shankar Rao and the TD leaders were purposefully misleading the court over the role of enforcement directorate (ED) in the complaints against him. He said the ED was seized of the matter and the petitioners knew it and despite this they did not disclose that aspect before the court.

He contended that since it may influence the ongoing ED inquiry, he would not make any statement on that aspect and would confine himself to the issue of maintainability of these petitions. He argued in his affidavit that the petitioners alleged corruption took place during his father’s tenure as CM, but they did not point out who are the ministers, secretaries and other authorities who supported such an alleged corruption. By pointing out collective responsibility in a government, he said that the petitioners who kept quiet from 2004 to 2009, are now pointing their fingers towards his father who is not alive to answer their charges.

Mr Jagan further contended that while no action or decision of any authority was challenged, the writ petition against private persons was not maintainable. He submitted to the court that he has been doing business since 1999 when his father was not in power. Sandur power, Classic Realty, Jagathi Publications, owned by Mr Jagan also filed their counters in the case.

BC groups demand ABCD classification

A writ petition was filed in the AP High Court on Tuesday seeking a direction to implement classification of A, B, C and D groups in implementing reservations for Backward Classes, while conducting elections to panchayat raj bodies in the state in accordance with the recommendations of the Anantha Raman Commission. Mr U. Sambashiva Rao, a social activist and Mr U.V. Chakravarthi, president of AP Most Backward Classes Committee filed the petition.

They told the court that the Anantha Raman Commission recommended the classification of the Backward Classes into A, B, C and D groups, which was accepted by the government through GO Ms No. 1793 dated September 23, 1970 to provide reservations in educational institutions and employment. They said that the percentage was apportioned into 7 per cent, 10 per cent, 1 per cent and 7 per cent among four groups, for equal distribution of 25 per cent according to the population of the respective groups. They brought to the notice of the court that by suppressing the earlier GO, the government issued another GO in 2006 by providing 34 per cent reservation to Backward Classes in Gram Panchayat, Mandal Parishads and Zilla Parishads and territorial constituencies of the districts without classifying them into groups.

They contended that the rules providing 34 per cent reservation for BCs in the local bodies under AP Panchayat Raj Act, has to be implemented taking the classification into account as recommended by the Anantha Raman Commission. The petitioners urged the court grant stay on the election process of the local bodies till the classification of the reservations.

AP seeks time to adjudicate Alok plea

The state government on Tuesday sought time from the High Court to adjudicate a petition filed by it challenging the judgement of the Central Administrative Tribunal passed on the plea of senior IPS officer Mr Alok Srivastava. Mr Alok filed an application before the tribunals challenging the IPS pay rules and the method adopted to fix the pay. The tribunal clubbed the petition with another petition by Mr. P. Gautam Kumar, principal secretary to home department challenging the appointment of Mr. Aravinda Rao as the DGP and passed a common order.