Panel defers hearing to Mar 29

​Rajamahendravaram: The State government-appointed one-man commission headed by retired High Court Judge C Y Somayajulu to inquire into the deaths due to stampede at the inaugural of the Godavari Pushkaralu-2015 postponed its hearing to March 29.

In the sitting held here on Monday, Justice Somayajulu directed the government’s counsel, Ch Prabhakar Rao, to file an affidavit on the government’s reply by March 29. It may be recalled here that the one-man commission which was constituted on September 9, 2015 was given 6 months time to submit its report.

Since Justice Somayajulu assumed charge on September 29, the time limit prescribed for the commission to inquire into the deaths will expire on March 29 unless the State government extends its term. AP Bar Council member Muppalla Subbarao, who is representing the witnesses, found fault with government for not filing its response before Somayajulu panel though it was given 6 months time.

Subbarao said that he would approach High Court if the government failed to extend the term of the commission. He held police and revenue personnel responsible for the stampede and demanded stern action against them.