MLA poaching case: BJP approaches TS HC, seeks stay on SIT notices, proceedings

Telangana BJP has knocked at the door of the high court seeking a stay on SIT notice issued to National General Secretary (Org) Bommarabettu Laxmi Janardhana Santosh in the MLA poaching case.

In an Interim Application, BJP submitted that SIT has been trying to extract names of individuals from the accused who are in no way concerned with the case.

The SIT was formed under the orders of the Telangana High court and it has started an investigation into the case.

The petitioner said they have learned through some media channels that summons are being issued to several persons in connection with the case. The petitioner said names have been allegedly disclosed despite the directions.

The petitioner said leaking names to media channels shows the lack of transparency and probity in the investigation.

The BJP said SIT has been issuing notices to party functionaries who are in no way concerned with the case. The petitioner said notices are aimed to harass them under the guise of investigation.

"There is every apprehension that the persons served summons would be subjected to harassment and ill-treatment," the petitioner said.

Telangana High Court has said it would monitor the investigation. The petitioner said that the IO, however, issued notices without even obtaining prior permission which is illegal and improper on the part of SIT.

Moreover, the petitioner alleged that the procedure adopted is nothing but overreaching the order passed by the High Court.

The BJP said if the interim order is not granted, then there would be irreparable hardship rendering fair investigation a casualty. The notices issued by SIT are without any basis and aimed to harass, humiliate and tarnish the image of the petitioner and its functionaries.

The matter may be heard by the High Court division bench soon.