The Andhra Pradesh High Court witnessed high drama during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing regarding the construction of religious structures on government land in Akiveedu, West Godavari district. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice Nainala Jayasurya, expressed strong dissatisfaction with former MP and current Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju when he attempted to intervene and argue the case personally. The court sharply questioned his standing in the matter and sternly warned him not to exceed his jurisdiction or use the courtroom as a platform for political interests.
The legal dispute centers on a petition filed by an individual named Jayanti, represented by advocate Jada Shravan Kumar, seeking to stop the construction of a Rama temple on public land. Citing a landmark Supreme Court ruling (State of Gujarat vs. Union of India), the petitioner argued that religious structures are strictly prohibited on government property. Allegations were made that an old building was demolished with police assistance immediately after the petition was filed to rush the new construction, leading to a plea for an immediate stay.
While Raghurama’s counsel argued that a temple had existed at the site since 1930 with all necessary permissions, the court’s focus remained on the Deputy Speaker’s conduct, which led to him leaving the courtroom following the judges’ reprimand. Ultimately, the division bench directed the matter back to a single-judge bench, where a similar case is already pending. The single judge has been tasked with verifying historical and official facts—specifically whether the site houses a “Gonthenamma” temple or a Rama temple—and delivering a swift resolution to the controversy.
