Rescue Operations for Trapped Workers in SLBC-1 Tunnel
The Telangana High Court division bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Yara Renuka, acknowledged the government’s efforts in rescuing eight workers trapped in the SLBC-1 tunnel. Advocate-General A. Sudarshan Reddy informed the court that the tunnel, which is 44 km long, suffered an unexpected structural collapse near the Srisailam entrance, trapping the workers.
The government has launched extensive rescue operations involving teams from the Army, Navy, NDRF, SDRF, L&T, HYDRA, Singareni Collieries, and specialized rat miners. Several cabinet ministers, including the Chief Minister, have visited the site to oversee the efforts. Meanwhile, the petitioner’s counsel suggested that the government should also consider compensating the workers’ dependents and implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
After hearing the arguments, the Acting CJ noted that the government is actively working to rescue the trapped workers and decided to close the PIL. However, other concerns raised by the petitioner will be addressed later. The PIL was filed by PVKK Bhargav, vice-president of the National Union for Migrant Workers, who requested a halt to tunnel construction and the establishment of fair and standardized wages for workers in hazardous jobs.
High Court Fines Lawyer for Repetitive Arguments
The Telangana High Court also addressed another PIL challenging Section 21(3) of the Panchayati Raj Act, 2018, which prevents candidates with more than two children from contesting local body elections. The bench clarified that such legislative matters should be reassessed by lawmakers rather than the courts.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel repeatedly cited a 2003 Supreme Court judgment upholding the provision and insisted that the High Court should issue a similar ruling. The Acting CJ, frustrated by the redundant arguments, pointed out that the legal and social landscape has changed since 2003 and that lawmakers should reconsider the provision due to declining fertility rates.
When the judge began dictating the order, the counsel interrupted again, further irritating the bench. As a result, the court imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on the petitioner, ordering payment to the State Legal Service Authority within 30 days. If not paid, further legal action will be taken. The PIL was filed by Avula Nagaraju from Nalgonda district, who challenged the State Election Commission’s decision to bar candidates with more than two children from contesting elections.
PIL Seeks Protection for Qutub Shahi Tombs
The High Court issued notices to various government officials and the Agha Khan Trust regarding the deteriorating condition of the Qutub Shahi Tombs. The notices were sent to the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Archaeology and Museums, Principal Secretaries of Municipal Administration and Tourism, the GHMC Commissioner, and the Agha Khan Trust, which is responsible for preserving the heritage site.
The PIL, filed by Congress leader Madhu Yashki Goud, alleged that the tombs are in poor condition due to the trust’s negligence. Despite being allocated ₹100 crore for conservation, the trust has failed to maintain the structures properly. The petitioner claimed that the tombs are losing their original layers, suffering from water seepage, and that the restoration work is substandard.
The bench directed the concerned officials to respond within four weeks. Goud also requested that the government terminate the trust’s contract and conduct an investigation into the mismanagement of funds, proposing penalties for the trust’s inefficiency.
Illegal Mining in Khammam District Under Scrutiny
The High Court took up another PIL concerning illegal mining in Khammam district. Notices were issued to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Mines and Geology), the TS Pollution Control Board, the Chief Conservator of Forests, the Khammam Collector, and other officials, asking them to respond within four weeks.
The petitioner, N. Ramu from Khammam, alleged in a letter to the Chief Justice that illegal mining was rampant in the district. He accused mining companies of violating permits and extracting excessive minerals, which is harming the environment. He also claimed that government officials responsible for monitoring mining activities were complicit, allowing illegal operations to continue unchecked.
The petitioner warned that the illegal mining operations were causing significant financial losses to the state. The court has given the concerned officials four weeks to file their responses before proceeding further with the case.
