It seems that the YS Jagan led state government in AP is setting itself onto the collision course with judiciary. Many political analysts say that this friction might paint a poor picture of the image of Andhra Pradesh in the country.
Several ruling party leaders, ministers and representatives are trading barbs with the judiciary directly and indirectly in the state and the country’s capital. The recent developments that have reportedly taken place during the court hearing on a petition related to Mission Build Andhra Pradesh is worrying the legal fraternity and experts.
The Additional Advocate General (AAG) allegedly remarked to mean, “Coming in the way of every act, let them govern.” To this, the bench headed by Justice Rakesh Kumar and Justice J Umadevi asked the AAG, whether he made the remarks against the court or the petitioners? Was he asking the government is being run by the State government or the State High Court?
The AAG was also reminded that the court is not a political forum and asked to observe restraint in the court.
Going into the details…
The State government had decided to pool funds by selling prime government land across the State for its Mission Build Andhra Pradesh. However, a PIL was filed objecting to the sale of lands and the State High Court had taken up the same for hearing. Social activist Thota Suresh Babu and others from Guntur knocked the doors of the court raising objection to the sale of the government lands. Counsel for the petitioners Narra Srinivas presented his arguments before the bench of Justice Rakesh Kumar and Justice J Umadevi. The court adjourned the hearing to October 16 and directed the opponents to the petitions and secretaries of different departments to file counters.
Responding during the hearings, the AAG has remarked, “Coming in the way of every action (of the government). Let them govern (the State).” Taking a serious view of the caustic remarks, Justice Rakesh Kumar asked the AAG whether he was making the remarks against the court or the petitioners. The AAG remarks are not going down well with the legal fraternity and the people.
Politically sensitive remarks in court halls!?
Caustic remarks like, “Coming in the way and creating hurdles to every initiative of the State government. Let them rule the State”- are being widely used by the YSRCP leaders, ministers and even some of the public representatives. They are reportedly making such remarks against those going to courts and challenging the State government decisions. They also mean to point fingers at opposition TDP and portray to people that the petitioners have its backing.
The whole political narrative that the ruling party has been trying to weave is backfiring since it seems like they are targeting the judiciary for taking cognizance and hearing such the petitions. Leaders engaging in a political slugfest is a routine affair, but what assumed significance is the AAG making sensitive comments with political overtones, that too in the court hall.
In particular, the YSRCP led State government is increasingly coming under criticism for crossing the Lakshmana Rekha with its leaders making remarks against the judiciary.