Reply petition on road shows: HC to Andhra Govt

Hyderabad, Nov 26: Andhra Pradesh High Court today asked the state government to reply to a petition filed by an NGO regarding granting permission to political parties for staging roadshows in the state.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Anil R Dave and Justice Sanjay Kumar asked the government to reply the petition to refuse permission for staging roadshows, which it contended was endangering the public safety.

The NGO, Abhipray had moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court for a direction to the government in the wake of recent deaths during the roadshows organised by the political parties.

The court responded saying that ''human lives were more important'' and it was concerned for the safety of the people.

The Bench ordered notices to all the political parties and asked the government to reply to the petition.

The order could become a major constitutional point as the Supreme Court court was already declaring bandhs called by political parties as illegal.

Meanwhile, the State Human Rights Commission also sent notice to the state Director General of Police to file by December 16 a detailed report on the condition and measures, taken before permitting any roadshows by political parties in the state.

UNI