Suspense continues over whether the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh will give permission to the proposed padayatra of Telugu Desam Party general secretary Nara Lokesh across the length and breadth of the state, starting January 27.
Though the TDP have submitted the application to the Andhra Pradesh police long ago seeking permission for the padayatra of Lokesh, along with his route map, there has been no response from them so far, causing tense moments in the TDP.
Since the party has to make arrangements for the padayatra well in advance, it has sought permission from the police to avoid last minute troubles. But the police are obviously waiting for the instructions from the Jagan government.
The government has moved the Supreme Court two days ago, challenging the high court order suspending the controversial government order restricting the public meetings on the road sides and roadshows on the main thoroughfares including state and national highways.
Senior Advocate CS Vaidyanathan, appearing for the State of Andhra Pradesh, took objection to the vacation bench of the High Court passing the order on an urgent basis when the matter was mentioned during the vacation.
But the Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with order of the high court saying the suspension on the GO was anyway up to only January 23.
A division bench of the Supreme Court comprising chief justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha directed that a division bench led by the Chief Justice of the High Court take up the matter.
The bench said that since the matter is posted on Monday, it will not interfere with the order at this stage.
"We request a division benched by the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court to take up this matter and hear on 23rd Jan 2023," the bench stated in the order while disposing of the State's petition.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for CPI State secretary K Ramakrishna who challenged the Govt Order before the High Court.
The TDP leaders, however, said Lokesh would go ahead with the padayatra irrespective of whether he gets permission or not.
The TDP is also disclosing the statements issue by Jagan in the past that there is no need for any permissions for the padayatra.