Telangana: Petition filed on MLCs appointment under governor's quota

A writ petition was filed on the appointment of MLCs Goreti Venkanna, Saraiah and Dayanand under governor's quota on Wednesday. The petitioner, Dhana Gopal claimed that the state government turned a blind eye even after the governor proposed his name and considered the suggestions of the state cabinet.

After hearing the petition, the high court issued notices to the respondents directing them to file a counter within four weeks. The notices were issued to state Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, Goreti Venkanna, Saraiah and Dayanand. The court ordered the government's counsel BS Prasad to collect the notices.

"The appointment of MLCs was done on the basis of cabinet's suggestion which is against the governor's proposal," he said in the petition.

According to article 171 (3) (E) of the Indian constitution, the governor has the right to appoint one-sixth of the members in the legislative council. However, the member should be an expert in the concerned field.

Dhana Gopal asked the governor to propose his name to the government in social service following which the governor proposed Dhana Gopal's name to the government. However, the government did not consider the proposal of the governor.

The bench comprising of Justice RS Chauhan and B Vijayasen Reddy asked the state government to file a counter in four weeks.