New Assembly, Council buildings: Hearing posted to July 8

Hyderabad: The Division bench of the Telangana High court comprising Chief Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan and Justice Shameem Akhtar posted the PIL filed challenging the construction of new Assembly and council buildings at Errum Manzil to July 8.

The bench directed the government to file a detailed counter by July 8. The bench also questioned the government as to why the government proposed the construction of new Assembly and Council buildings by squandering money from the State's exchequer when the current buildings under use can be utilised.

The bench also asked the government to submit the plan pertaining to the construction of new Assembly and Council buildings and also there were any tentative or other floor plans, technical designs, architectural ones etc. Counsel Rachna Reddy appearing for social activist Lubna Sharwath informed the court that the State government cannot be trusted and pressed for a status quo on the issue.

However, the bench asked the counsel to repose trust in the reputation of the Telangana High Court and denied a status quo on the issue. Speaking to The Hans India, Rachna Reddy said the court the State government started bhumi pooja and demolition of heritage structures though the matter is before the High Court.

Senior Counsel Satyam Reddy represented a wing of OU students, who also challenged the construction of Assembly and Council buildings at Errum Manzil, also submitted his arguments before the court. Satyam Reddy said, "the government cannot destroy something which it cannot create." The bench posted the matter to July 8 for further hearing.