High Court issues notice to Centre

Hyderabad:  The High Court at Hyderabad has issued notices to Union Cabinet Secretary, Union Secretaries of Home and Law Departments and also to the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Government asking them to explain as to why several provisions relating to Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act were not being implemented. It directed them to file detailed counter affidavits in this regard within four weeks and adjourned the case by six weeks.

The division bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice J Uma Devi gave directions to this effect on Monday while hearing a petition filed by one Poluri Srinivasa Rao of Swarna village, Karamchedu mandal in Prakasam district seeking a direction to the Central and state governments to implement the provisions of the Act and also provide Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh.

P V Krishnaiah, counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted to the bench that despite Section 94 of the AP Reorganisation Act mandating the Central government to provide tax exemptions and incentives to both the Telugu speaking states, nothing has been done so far. He said the Centre is bound to take the responsibility of building a new capital for the state of Andhra Pradesh and also it has to establish a Railway Zone in the newly formed State. But these have not been done.

He also found fault with the AP state government for taking the responsibility of completing Polavaram project while the Act clearly mentioned that it is the Centre’s responsibility. The bench issued Notices and directed the Respondents to file their counter affidavits by four weeks.