Hyderabad: Justice N. Tukaramji of the Telangana High Court admitted a writ plea challenging the notification of private agricultural land as Wakf property. The judge was hearing a writ plea filed by Goli Venkat Reddy and two others, questioning the validity of a gazette notification of February 1989 issued by the Telangana State Waqf Board, notifying their land as Waqf property. The petitioners contended that the 1989 gazette notification was invalidated in an earlier writ petition decided in January 2002, and therefore, the subsequent memo issued in August 2024 by the commissioner and inspector-general of registration and stamps was arbitrary and without jurisdiction. They argued that the impugned action violated their fundamental rights under the Constitution, apart from contravening the provisions of the Waqf Act.
Closure of private hospital challenged in HC
The management of Nani Mini Hospital moved the High Court, questioning the closure of their unit at Medchal–Malkajgiri. Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana High Court took on file the writ petition challenging the action of the district medical and health officer (DMHO). The closure was challenged on the grounds that it was done without following due process. The petitioner contended that the order did not specify any reason for such drastic action. Counsel for the petitioner argued that the closure and seizure were arbitrary, without jurisdiction, violative of the principles of natural justice and contrary to the Constitution. The petitioner was seeking to set aside the impugned notice and permit the hospital to resume operations. The respondents sought time to file a response in the matter.
Allegations against blood donation camp at Gudimalkapur
Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana High Court admitted a writ plea challenging the legality of a mega blood donation camp held on February 23, at King’s Palace, Gudimalkapur. The judge was dealing with a writ plea filed by advocate Barkat Ali Khan, party in person, alleging that the camp violated constitutional provisions, including as well as the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. The event, jointly organised by the respondents, Thalassemia Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) and journalist Mohammed Akram alias Abu Aimal, was accused of serious procedural and regulatory lapses. According to the petitioner, the organisers failed to comply with the National Blood Policy and the Union Health Ministry’s guidelines, which emphasise donor safety and proper screening. It was further alleged that significantly, the camp’s details were not uploaded on the mandatory e-RaktKosh portal, raising concerns that it may have been conducted for private healthcare purposes. The petitioner pointed to several irregularities, including the absence of HIV and hepatitis screening, lack of counselling and documented consent and inadequate health checks for donors. Discrepancies in reported blood collection figures also fuelled suspicion of possible misuse. Following the camp, the petitioner lodged a complaint with Gudimalkapur police, sent multiple representations to the Thalassemia Centre and filed RTI applications with the hospitals concerned. No response was received from the TSCS. The judge ordered notices to the respondents.
HC grants bail in online fraud case
Justice K. Sujana of the Telangana High Court granted bail to an accused in an online financial fraud case arising out of deposits solicited through a Facebook advertisement and later a WhatsApp group. The judge was hearing a criminal petition filed by Vineet Chadhaa. According to the prosecution, the complainant alleged that he was induced into investing over `2 crore in a fraudulent trading platform. Initially, small profits were shown, but when he attempted to withdraw funds, he was asked to pay additional “taxes,” raising suspicion of fraud. It was alleged that the petitioner, as a member of the WhatsApp group, encouraged victims to deposit money. Senior counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that he was also a victim who deposited money in good faith without receiving any benefit. It was contended that there were no specific allegations against him to attract the graver charges and that he had remained in custody since August 18, even though the main investigation was complete. Observing that material investigation was substantially complete and witnesses had already been examined, the judge held that custodial detention was no longer necessary. The judge granted conditional bail to the petitioner.
