Hyderabad: The Telangana high court on Wednesday ordered a stay on the state-govt’s Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak schemes and stalled disbursement of funds to beneficiers, until further orders. The interim directions were passed by Justice NV Shravan Kumar after the state sought additional time to file counters in a petition filed challenging the constitutional validity of these schemes.“Having regard to the nature of the challenge raised (in the petition) and as the respondents (state) seek further time to file counter, there shall be a stay of operation of the eight GOs, including disbursement of any amounts to the beneficiaries pursuant to the aforesaid GOs till the next date of hearing,” said the judge, while adjourning the matter to Sept 9.The eight GOs were issued on different dates between 2014 and 2019 to introduce the two schemes, which provide financial assistance to unmarried women from SC, ST and minority communities, as well as BC and EBC communities.A petition filed by advocate Vijay Gopal contended that the schemes were formulated and continued without the backing of any legislative or statutory provision. Questioning the authority under which eligibility criteria, including income limits, were prescribed, Vijay Gopal argued that the substantial expenditure incurred under the schemes from the Consolidated Fund of the State violates Articles 202(3), 204(3), 266(3) and 283(2) of the Constitution that govern fiscal discipline, budgetary management, and public fund regulation at both the central and state levels.He also claimed violations of the General Clauses Act and the Telangana General Clauses Act, which define how laws have to be made and guidelines on their powers, and cited a 1965 Supreme Court ruling in support of the argument that public funds must be withdrawn and appropriated strictly as per constitutional mandate. The petitioner furnished information obtained under the Right to Information Act too showing substantial expenditure on the schemes.Meanwhile, the state counsel sought further time to file a counter affidavit defending the legal sanction behind the govt orders. Taking note of the request, the judge passed an interim stay and adjourned the matter.
