Justice P. Naveen Rao of Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday said that the authorities cannot restrict purohits to one ghat during the Godavari Pushkaralu.
The purohits can attend the rituals where the devotees want them. The judge was dealing with a writ petition filed by Dronamraju Ravi Kumar of All India Brahmin Federation who questioned the restrictions imposed by the authorities at Pushkar ghats.
The court was told that each purohit was given an identity card which specified the place where he has to conduct the prayers, he said. The petitioner complained that if a purohit crosses the specified place he would be evicted by the authorities.
The purohits cannot survive at being at one spot only. The judge said that identity cards are good step but did not appreciate the condition that the purohit should perform at the specified place only.
Trial in tonsuring case
Justice P. V. Sanjay Kumar of Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday declared that the trial in nearly two-decade-old case wherein Dalits were subjected to tonsuring shall be conducted expeditiously. The judge took on record the submission that a special public prosecutor has been appointed.
The judge was disposing of a writ petition filed by Koti China Raju and three others. The judge expressed surprise at the delay. Nearly two decades back three Dalit youths were tonsured by non-Dalits in East Godavari and the trial had not yet begun.
In January the High Court asked the State government to explain the status. Thota Trimurthulu, present MLA from Ramachandrapuram, East Godavari district is main accused in this case. Bojja Tarakam, senior counsel appearing for the petitioners, who were the victims said that charge sheet was quickly filed and the case was transferred to Vishakhapatnam in 2008 for the safety of witnesses.
Though this is a case under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 the trial has not commenced. The court on Tuesday was told that new special PP was appointed. The court directed expeditious trial.
Farewell to Judge
The Bench and the bar at Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday bid affectionate and traditional farewell to Justice K.C. Bhanu who retired as Judge of High Court.
All the judges and the advocates met at court hall of the chief justice in after noon for a farewell function. The advocates association felicitated the judge in the association hall.
The speakers recalled his services to the judiciary and the dignified way he treated the advocates.
