HYDERABAD: A two-judge panel of the Telangana High Court set aside a life sentence imposed on a hotel worker. The panel of K. Surender and J. Anil Kumar allowed an appeal filed by Boddu Tirupati, sole accused in the murder of A. Sanjeev Reddy, another hotel worker. The 3rd Additional District and Sessions Judge, Rangareddy, had sentenced the accused to life imprisonment. According to the prosecution, on the night of May 27, 2012, the accused killed the victim with a long rod. The case of the prosecution was that the accused worked as a waiter at a hotel and the victim worked as a roti maker in another hotel, both of which were owned by the same person. According to the prosecution, the accused knew the victim and had an altercation earlier in the evening. The two went to a film the following day where the victim asked the accused as to why he had blamed him the previous night. The accused pushed the victim, went to the hotel, brought out a long rod and killed him. The panel noticed that the complaint did not mention that it was at the hotel cashier and also that none of the witnesses supported the theory of the long rod being used for the alleged offence. These discrepancies, the panel found did not augur sufficient confidence to sentence a person. The panel accordingly set aside the conviction and directed that the accused be set at liberty forthwith.
Return certificates to student, Malla Reddy medical college told
Justice K. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court directed Malla Reddy Medical College for Women to promptly return a student’s original certificates. The judge disposed of the writ plea filed by Ramineni Sai Lakshmi Saranya, who was admitted to a five-year MBBS course in 2021 after qualifying in NEET. The student, who paid a substantial amount in fees, raised serious concerns about the college’s teaching methods and infrastructure, which adversely impacted her learning experience, leading her to discontinue her studies. Upon being requested to return her original certificates via emails in July and August this year, the college refused, citing an outstanding balance of `36 lakh against her name. Despite a letter from Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences dated August 9, 2024, advising colleges to return original certificates following due process and order of discontinuation from the university, the college demanded an additional Rs 3 lakh as bond amount along with the balance fee. Referring to ‘D. Vaishnavi v. State of Telangana’ that struck down policies allowing colleges having lien over students’ certificates until course completion, the judge held that the college had no right to withhold certificates.
TGPSC bid to withhold appointment letters challenged
Justice Pulla Karthik of the Telangana High Court took on file a writ plea challenging the actions of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TGPSC) in refusing to issue an appointment order to seven candidates despite their hall ticket numbers appearing in provisional selection notification dated October 10. The judge was hearing a writ plea filed by Kalakoti Manasa and seven others alleging that they were not issued appointment orders as assistant motor vehicles inspector (AMVI) in the transport department pursuant to notification dated December 31, 2022. The petitioners alleged that the respondent did not provide any explanation for denying appointment orders to the petitioners while other candidates received appointment orders from the Chief Minister. It was argued that the actions of the respondents unjustly deprived the petitioners of their right to employment. They sought directions for immediate issue of appointment orders for the post of AMVI in the transport department along with all consequential benefits on par with other candidates. The judge after hearing the petitioners directed the government pleader for TGPSC to get instructions and posted the matter for further adjudication.
Conditional bail to biz man with alleged link with drug peddlers
Justice G. Radha Rani of the Telangana High Court granted bail to a businessman allegedly involved in a high-profile narcotics case linked to a network of alleged drug suppliers and peddlers. The judge was dealing with a regular bail petition filed by Antonio Obinna Okra Anthony Rafael, who is in custody since 2020. According to the prosecution, the case started on December 16, 2023, when a complaint led to the arrest of Jalli Ashik Yadav, who was found in possession of two Ecstasy pills. Subsequent investigations implicated 101 individuals, allegedly comprising suppliers, peddlers, consumers, and dealers, with the petitioner identified as a major supplier. Despite these allegations, the petitioner argued that no contraband was found in his possession and pointed out his ongoing incarceration since December 25, 2020, in the central prison, north Goa. The judge observed that the absence of direct evidence against the petitioner and expressed skepticism over claims that he coordinated with drug supplies from the prison. Considering these factors and the material on record, the judge deemed that it was a fit case for grant of a conditional bail to the petitioner.