HC Division Bench stays interim order in Roja case

The Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court headed by Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale on Tuesday stayed the single-Judge bench order setting aside the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly resolution suspending YCP leader RK Roja from the House for a period of 1 year. The Division Bench went by precedent in the matter to uphold the supremacy of the House and the Speaker. The Assembly Secretary had appealed to the High Court in regard to the single Judge's order. Counsel PP Rao argued before the court that there was a slight error in quoting the rule for slapping the suspension on RK Roja. It was done under Rule 340 of the Assembly Rules. Since the Assembly had the power to revise its ruling, the single Judge bench order does not hold water on any technical ground. Counsel further told the court that Roja had been given a further opportunity to apologise for her intemperate remarks and enter the House. The court stayed the interim order, and directed Roja to again appear before Judge Ramalingeshwar Rao. The YCP is understood to be considering moving the Supreme Court again in the Roja case.