Petitioner threatens to commit suicide, faces contempt charges

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad High Court witnessed a bizzare event on Thursday as a petitioner threatened to commit suicide if his case is not heard immediately and out of turn. Taking the issue seriously, the court issued issued notice to him to initiate proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act.

Petitioner RVN Murthy, appearing as party-in-person, came to the first court hall and urged the bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice M Ganga Rao to take up his case filed regarding promotions in Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University. He said that the case was filed in the year 2016.

While refusing to hear the case out of turn, the bench said that the cases filed in 2011 are still pending and due to shortage of judges and such a request cannot be entertained at this stage.Then Murthy shouted loudly by insisting that his case should be taken up urgently as it involved public interest. He even took out his leather belt and put it around his neck threatening to commit suicide.

Not appreciating the anxiety shown by Murthy, the bench ordered that he be taken into custody and taken out of the court hall. Besides, the bench directed the registry to serve notice upon him and that the latter has to explain why proceedings under the Contempt of Court Act shall not be taken against him.

HC notice to TS, AP govts & CBI on STBC property fraud

Hyderabad HC on Thursday issued notices to the Centre, AP and TS governments apart from CBI on a petition filed by Samavesham of Telugu Baptist Churches. The plea sought to declare the inaction of the CBI in initiating probe into alleged fraudulent transactions against STBC properties and also misappropriation of huge amounts received after sale consideration as illegal and arbitrary.

Justice Challa Kodanda Ram while dealing with a petition by the STBC, represented by its special administrative officer Ch Anjana Prasad, issued notices to 54 respondents to spell out their stand on the petition. The petitioner alleged that one GDD Diwakar of Kavali town was prime suspect in case and he was making efforts to leave the country. Though a report was given to the CBI in April this year with regard to alleged fraudulent transactions, no action was initiated by probe agency till date. Judge adjourned case by four weeks and directed all respondents to file counter affidavits.