K.A. Paul, the Christian evangelist and Praja Shanti Party (PSP) founder, recently filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court (HC.)
The PIL was filed on the 10th of February and the matter was reviewed today, the 5th of March.
The PIL was filed against the recent decision to privatise the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP.)
In his PIL, Mr. Paul said privatisation of the VSP would have a direct impact on 33,000 employees and another 40,000 who are employed in allied sectors. Apart from these, nearly 4 lakh people are indirectly dependent on the steel plant.
Mr. Paul also said the plant was established after a prolonged movement in which 32 persons sacrificed their lives. Thousands of poor farmers gave away over 24,000 acres of land for setting up the steel plant at a meagre compensation of Rs. 1,200 per acre at the time, which is now valued at not less than Rs. 5 crore.
Privatisation of the VSP on the basis of losses cannot be done without taking the socio economic impact on society into consideration.
While reviewing the petition, the High Court asked Paul’s counsel Mr. Balaji whether he can file a petition through a power of attorney on behalf of K.A. Paul. Mr. Balaji recently filed a fresh petition on behalf of K.A.Paul, using a power of attorney.
Mr. Balaji informed the High Court one can file a PIL under rule 4. He also informed the court that the petition was filed through the power of attorney as Paul is busy visiting several countries.
The High Court said that decision to submit a PIL through power of attorney will be decided next week.
The case is adjourned until next week.
Stay tuned for further updates.
