Hyderabad: Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Women and Child Welfare Seethakka, along with MLC Balmoor Venkat and other leaders, appeared before the Nampally People’s Representatives Court on Saturday in connection with a COVID protest case.
During the hearing, the court conducted cross-examination and heard arguments from both sides. After hearing the submissions, the judge adjourned the case to February 5.
Speaking to the media later, Seethakka alleged that the then government filed false cases against them in 2020. According to her, officials accused them of violating COVID norms only to silence their protest. She said the leaders demanded that COVID treatment be included under the Aarogyasri scheme to reduce the burden on common people.
Calling the action unjust, the minister said the government harassed leaders for standing with the public. She added that treatment costs rose sharply during the pandemic. As a result, she said, the protest aimed to highlight the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
COVID protest case hearing adjourned to February 5
Explaining the defence, Seethakka said their lawyers informed the court that the protest followed COVID guidelines. The legal team also stated that participants maintained discipline throughout the agitation. At every stage, she said, the protest remained peaceful.
She stated that the leaders took to protest only to convey public grievances to the government. After considering these arguments, the court deferred the matter to February 5.
Expressing confidence in the judiciary, Seethakka said she expected justice. Senior advocates Naguluri Krishna Kumar Goud, Kurma Narendra, and S. S. Rao represented Seethakka and other leaders during the hearing.