State moves SC to retain forces on OU

The AP government, in a swift action on Thursday, moved the SC to stay the state High Court’s direction for removal of paramilitary forces from the Osmania University campus. Admitting the petition, the top court said it is not a “healthy situation” to keep security forces stationed in the campus permanently.

After making the observation during a brief hearing, a bench headed by the Chief Justice, Mr K.G. Balakrishnan, comprising Justices S.H. Kaparida and Aftab Alam, fixed the hearing on the government’s petition for Friday. The senior advocate, Mr Mukul Rohtagi, appearing for the state, made special mention of the petition for urgent hearing.

While putting several queries to the state government lawyer on the issue, the Chief Justice said, “It is a serious issue. Paramilitary forces camping on the campus permanently is not a healthy situation.” The apex court asked Mr Rohtagi whether the consent of the VC had been taken and whether there is a paramilitary force camp nearby where they could be shifted and deployed on the campus if there is any requirement.

Before deferring the hearing for Friday to deal the petition on merits, the Chief Justice had a word of advice to the government, “Find some alternative way. We’re a little worried about the presence of paramilitary in the campus.”