Setback for Jagan as SC refuses to interfere in HC order on three capitals

The Supreme Court turned down the Andhra government’s Special Leave Petition seeking a stay on the Andhra High Court’s interim orders to maintain status quo on the formation of three capital cities for the state.

The apex court observed that it cannot take up the matter as it is already being argued in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. On 31 July, the state government had notified about the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All regions Act 2020 and AP Capital Region Development Authority (Repeal) 2020 Act soon after the governor’s assent. After that, the farmers of Amaravati had approached the High Court. The court had stayed the government orders. The State had then moved the SC, arguing that the judiciary can’t decide from where the executive will function, challenging the HC order. The High Court is going to hear the petition on 27th August.

 On the other side, the agitation for Amaravati has intensified. The protests for “one state, one capital” have completed 253 days. Many women leaders and farmers were arrested by the police when they tried to go towards the CRDA office. They were agitating for the release of their annual lease amount for giving up their lands for the purpose of the construction of the state capital.

Amaravati JAC leader, Sunkara Padma, who was arrested in the agitation told The Daily Guardian, “Many women and farmers were injured in the police attack. Is this the respect the CM Jagan Mohan Reddy gives women? It’s shameful for him when farmers ask for their rightful lease money. What is the mistake that the farmers have done? The CM is proceeding in a despotic and autocratic way. The Supreme Court’s order is a tight slap to him. We strongly condemn the arrests of farmers.”

 The Telugu Desam Party has also been supporting the farmers’ agitation since day one. Party leader Nara Lokesh advised Jaganmohan Reddy to correct his mistake and abide by a one capital policy. He said, “A capital should not be changed every time a ruler changes.”