The Andhra Pradesh high court had directed the State and the Central government to file counters on the Special Category Status. The court wanted the two governments to five clear and elaborated counters on the issue.
The court heard the arguments on the petition filed by Praja Shanti Party chief Dr K A Paul on Tuesday. The court found that the government advocates were not available in the court when the case is heard. It directed the government advocates to be present in the court when the case is being heard.
While arguing for his case, Dr Paul told the court that the government of India had promised on the floor of the Parliament to give special category status to Andhra Pradesh at the time of passing of the AP Reorganisation Act 2014. However, even after ten years, the promise was not fulfilled, he said.
Dr Paul also told the court that there are 11 states enjoying the special category status in the country. The special category status would bring new industries to the state and thus help in the overall development of the state, he said.
He further told the court that Andhra Pradesh is having several lakh crores of debts. The state would be able to come out of debt trap only if new industries are opened. This would happen only if the special category status is given to the state, he said. He wanted the high court to direct the Central government to give special category status to the state without further delay.
The court enquired about whether there are any similar cases in Supreme Court and High Court. It directed the high court registry to find out if there are any similar cases. If there are similar cases, it wanted the registry to mix them all and put up before the chief justice bench of the high court.
Justice G Narender and Justice M Kiranmayi, who heard the case posted the case for hearing after Dasara holidays. The court wanted Dr Paul to come before the bench after the Dasara holidays.
