A division bench of the Hyderabad High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice Ganga Rao on Monday directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Andhra Pradesh to appear in person in court next Monday to explain why they had not filed any report on prevention of cockfights as directed by it.
The bench was dealing with a public interest litigation filed by K. Ramachandra Raju. He complained that the officers did not stop gambling, women trafficking and other illegal activities carried out under the garb of the cock fights.
He named Vempa and Srirampuram villages of Bhimavaram mandal, West Godavari district, as major centres.
The bench heard the case on the January 4 and directed the officers to stop the cock fights. It wanted the two officials to file a report by January 22 on the steps taken and the result.
On Monday morning, the case was called and the government pleaders said they could not file the report as a lot of information from various districts had to be compiled and comprehensive report prepared. They sought some more time. The bench did not appreciate it. It took note of the fact that the blood sport did not take place in the two villages but were widely reported that they went on.
The court said the orders were not implemented and were openly mocked at. The bench felt that there was no justification for granting further time.
In fact, a similar order was passed by the bench last year asking the officers to take steps and file a report. Till now such report had not been filed. The bench said the two officers shall be present in court and explain why action shall not be initiated while explaining why the report was not filed as directed.
