HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT HYDERABAD FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AND THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH PRESENT THE HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SRI KALYAN JYOTI SENGUPTA AND THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR
WRIT PETITION No.29165 OF 2014
DATED: 12.12.2014 Between:
B.Vijaya Lakshmi … Petitioner and State of Andhra Pradesh and others … Respondents THE HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SRI KALYAN JYOTI SENGUPTA AND THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.29165 of 2014
ORDER: (per the Hon’ble Sri Justice Sanjay Kumar)
The petitioner was disqualified as a ward member of Gooty Municipality, Anantapur District, by the Presiding Officer, Gooty Municipality & Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Anantapuram, vide proceedings dated 20.09.2014. The said proceedings are subjected to challenge before this Court. However, under Section 23-A of the Andhra Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1965, the petitioner is provided an effective alternative remedy and can approach the District Court concerned for a decision as to the correctness of the impugned proceedings dated 20.09.2014.
The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of leaving it open to the petitioner to avail the alternative remedy. However, as the petitioner has been disqualified and steps may be taken in the meanwhile by the authorities, some protection is warranted at this stage. We accordingly direct the respondent authorities not to fill up the casual vacancy caused by the disqualification of the petitioner till 19.01.2015. Before the said date, it shall be open to the petitioner to approach the District Court concerned and seek interim relief in accordance with law. This Court desires that the District Court concerned shall dispose of the matter within three months.
With the above observations, the Writ Petition is disposed of.
Pending miscellaneous petitions, if any, shall also stand closed. No costs.
12th DECEMBER, 2014.
K.J. SENGUPTA, CJ SANJAY KUMAR, J kvni