THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE NAGESH BHEEMAPAKA WRIT PETITION No.24103 OF 2025

ORDER:

The petitioner, Sri Vemula Prashant Reddy, the elected MLA of Balkonda Legislative Assembly Constituency, has filed this Writ Petition challenging the action of respondents Nos.3 to 15 for allegedly not permitting him to distribute the Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques to the beneficiaries as per the policy laid down in G.O.Ms.No.18, BC Welfare (OP) Department dated 29-06-2016 and G.O.Ms. No. 25, Minorities Welfare (Estt.I) Department dated 16-07-2016. The petitioner contends that the respondents are circumventing the scheme by planning distribution through local ruling party leaders to gain political advantage in upcoming local body elections. This, according to the petitioner, is illegal, arbitrary, and violates the guidelines in the said Government Orders.

2. Heard Sri M. Roopender, learned counsel for the petitioner; learned Government Pleader for Social Welfare, for respondent Nos.1 and 2 and learned Government pleader for Revenue, for respondent Nos.3 to 15.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is an elected MLA of Balkonda Legislative Assembly Constituency. He submits that the petitioner, being an MLA, is authorized to distribute the welfare cheques as per the clear instructions in the Government Orders. He submits that the respondents have delayed the distribution of Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques and have also refused to permit him to distribute the cheques at his official MLA camp office, resulting in the expiry of some cheques and jeopardizing the rights of the beneficiaries. He submits that the respondents have acted in a biased manner favoring ruling party leaders and disregarding the elected representative’s role. Therefore, the petitioner seeks a writ of Mandamus directing respondent Nos.3 to 15 to permit him to distribute the cheques timely at his official MLA camp office and for disciplinary action against errant officials.

4. Respondent Nos.7 to 14 have filed their counter affidavits.

5. Learned Government Pleader for Revenue submits that respondent Nos.3 to 15 have acted in accordance with Government’s instructions and that all procedures are being followed. He further submits that the distribution plans have been communicated and that the petitioner’s allegations of political bias are unfounded. He assures that the respondents will comply with the Government Orders. He further submits that the distribution of the Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques is scheduled to take place at the MLA Camp Office, Balkonda, on

25.09.2025 at 11:00 A.M.

6. The Government Orders in question clearly specify that distribution of Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques is to be carried out by the concerned MLA on a weekly basis at a specified place as per the MLA’s wish. This scheme aims to assist weaker sections and vulnerable beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner. It is imperative that such welfare schemes be implemented without political bias or manipulation. The elected representative of the constituency is the rightful authority to distribute the cheques, and officials are duty-bound to cooperate fully in ensuring this. Delay or denial of such distribution harms beneficiaries and defeats the purpose of the schemes. The Court notes that in previous judicial pronouncements, similar grievances raised by opposition MLAs were upheld, reaffirming the requirement of strict adherence to the applicable Government Orders.

7. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of with the following directions:-

i. Directing respondents Nos.3 to 15 to organize and facilitate the distribution of Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques to the eligible beneficiaries of Balkonda constituency strictly in accordance with G.O.Ms.No.18 and G.O.Ms.No.25 and under the supervision of the petitioner, the elected MLA;

ii. The distribution of Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques shall take place timely an