Verdict on AP Govt's writ in Roja issue reserved for Tuesday

Hyderabad: The verdict on the Andhra Pradesh Government's writ challenging the interim orders passed by single judge bench on the suspension of YSRCP MLA RK Roja for one year has been reserved for Tuesday.

The arguments from both the Government of Andhra Pradesh and MLA Roja were completed on Monday evening. While senior counsel Indira Jaising argued on behalf of Roja, PV Rao argued on behalf of the Government.

Roja's counsel Indira Jaising argued that Government has no locus standi in the case as it was the AP Legislative Assembly which suspended the MLA. She said the AP Legislative Assembly alone can be a party to the case and not the Government.

She also said that under Section 340, Roja can be suspended only for the session in progress and not for one year. If she was suspended under Rule 194 (3), the MLA should be given an opportunity to present her version, which has not been done in Roja's case. Also, the MLA must be served a notice, which has not been done in Roja's case, argued Indira Jaising.

The Government counsel maintained that under Rule 208, the Government has all powers to take decisions.

The Government challenged the interim orders passed by Justice Ramalingeswara Rao quashing the suspension of Roja. However, the AP Assembly refused to allow the MLA despite the court's order. The Government filed a petition in the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana challenging the single judge's interim order.