Common Order: (V.V.S. Rao, J.)

Introduction

1. This group of twelve writ petitions is being disposed of by this common order, as the subject matter is common to all. The controversy is with regard to the authority, jurisdiction and power of Hon’ble the Lok Ayukta (HTL, for brevity) in issuing directions to appoint certain persons in Gangavaram Port Limited (GPL) as part of Rehabilitation & Resettlement Package (RR Package). The controversy also centers round the method and manner adopted by Visakhapatnam District Administration in preparing the list of eligible candidates. Both these issues also involve the right of traditional fishermen to livelihood and the constitutional duty of this Court to protect such people from deprivation and infringement of their right to livelihood in the name of economic development.

Right to livelihood

2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) not only recognizes inalienable right to life and liberty (Article 3) and security of persons but also emphasizes right of every person to social security (Article 22), equal opportunity (Article 7) and right to work (Article 23). International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights, by Article 6 recognise

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