Katta bail plea: HC seeks objections

Naidu, now lodged in Central Prisons has sought bail citing his “deteriorating” health. His counsel Ravi B Naik submitted that Naidu’s blood pressure and sugar levels had been fluctuating and hence he should be released on bail.
Justice Aravind Kumar, before whom the matter came up, was not convinced.

“How can we consider your application without hearing other party’s views?” he asked. Naik, then, argued for interim bail for Katta till the objections were filed.

The judge observed that except for BP and sugar levels, the former minister’s medical report was normal.

He also said that authorities at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prisons would attend on the former Minister and provide all medical help to him, if need be. The Jail Superintendent was present in the court hall.

Justice Kumar did not agree with T M Gayathri, counsel for Lokayukta, who sought time till Wednesday to file the objections. He directed to file objections before Tuesday.

Develops chest pain

The senior Katta developed chest pain on Friday morning. The doctors immediately attended on him after he complained of chest pain and high blood pressure.

“The former minister complained about chest pain and uneasiness around 11.30 am. We immediately deputed the prison medical staff to attend on him,” a senior officer said.

The doctors examined Katta’s blood pressure and sugar level.

The officer said it appeared that the minister was disturbed mentally. Katta’s health improved towards evening.

Notice to AoL

The High Court has issued notices to departments of Minor Irrigation and Fisheries, Art of Living Foundation (AoL) and others in a petition alleging illegal construction of buildings on a canal in Kaggalipura, Bangalore.

N Sriram Reddy, an advocate, had moved the court seeking to restrain AoL from banning fishing in Udipalya Canal. The Foundation had written to the Department of Fisheries with a request to cancel fishing lease for the lake.

Reddy had alleged that the Foundation encroached on the canal and shrunk its area. According to Reddy, the Departments of Minor Irrigation and Fisheries bent the rules to favour AoL.

The court asked the petitioner to submit relevant records within six weeks. Notices were also issued to the Assistant Executive Engineering, Minor Irrigation Department, the Directorate of Fisheries in Karnataka, the CEO of Fisheries, Farmers Development Authority, and the deputy commissioner, Bangalore Urban.