SC Dismisses PIL On AP's Division

Calling it "premature", the Supreme Court, on Monday, dismissed a petition filed by a lawyer P V Krishnaiah, which challenged the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The SC bench, headed by Justice H L Dattu, said that there are several steps to be taken for the division of the state to create Telangana, and that the move may or may not be accepted by the Parliament.

Stating that only Parliament has the power to divide states, and that it is too early to entertain such a plea, the court dismissed the petition.

Krishnaiah, in his petition, had contended that Andhra Pradesh enjoys a special status and power as per Article 371(D) of the Constitution, and that therefore, its division is not possible before making constitutional amendments.

Earlier in the day, the Andhra Pradesh High Court too dismissed a petition challenging the division of Andhra Pradesh, on the grounds that the decision on Telangana is yet to be announced by the central government. (INN)