Hyderabad: In a significant development, Supreme Court on July 9 quashed a PIL against the prestigious Kaleshwaram project, which was being constructed by the Telangana Government. According to the information, the apex court has turned down the appeal of the petitioner to stay the works of the project for misusing public funds in the name of redesigning. On hearing the petitioner, Lakshmi Narayana, a retired engineer, the court reportedly slammed the former for the appeal and asked him to move high court instead. It may be recalled that the Centre has accorded all permissions for the Kaleshwaram project in Telangana and the government was fast completing the related works. The petitioner sought a stay against the project citing that the government was spending huge public money, replacing many people by rendering them landless and shelterless and constructing more reservoirs than required for the purpose. He also said to have argued that more interests being paid for private banks for the funds and the project was merely becoming a tourist spot by referring to recent visits by a section of people. Lakshmi Narayana also sought the court to appoint a separate judicial committee to probe the project. Justice Madan B Lokur after hearing the case gave a verdict dismissing the petition. Justices Madan B Lokur and Justice Deepak Gutpa of the Supreme Court, however, provided some relief to the petitioner saying he may approach the High Court with his plea if he chooses to. The court rejected the argument of the petitioner that it was an inter-State issue and was a fit case to be taken up by the Supreme Court. In the event of any notice being issued to Maharashtra, then the petitioner may approach the Supreme Court, the two judges said. The arguments on behalf of the Telangana government were presented by senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi. (NSS)

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