SC dismisses PIL on AP's division

Describing it as "premature", the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by a lawyer PV Krishnaiah challenged the proposed bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The SC Bench headed by Justice HL Dattu said that there are several steps to be taken for the division of State to create Telangana and the move may or may not be accepted by the Parliament. Stating that only Parliament has the power to divide the States and it would be too early to entertain such a plea, the court dismissed the petition.

Krishnaiah, in his petition, contended that Andhra Pradesh enjoys a special status and power as per the Article 371(D) of the Constitution. Therefore its division was 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 was yet to be announced by the Central Government.