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Free phone decision stayed by Kerala HC

The Kerala high court today directed the union government and the secretary, ministry of telecommunications not to issue free telephones to telecom employees, pending disposal of a writ petition.

The interim order was issued by Justice C S Rajan on a civil miscellaneous petition filed by the Social Action Group, Thrissur, challenging the centre's decision to give free telephones to employees of the telecommunications department and telecom services.

The court also admitted the petition and issued notices to the centre and secretary, ministry of telecommunications.

The petitioner submitted that the centre was resorting to illegal acts to gain political mileage. Every policy decision of the government should be reasonable, just, proper and non-arbitrary, it was contended.

The petitioner said the communications minister could not grant privileges which would affect the state exchequer.

The decision was against the fundamental rights of citizens, and had violated Article 21 (right to life) and Art 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution, it was stated.

Another petitioner, Babu Joseph of Ernakulam, had also approached the high court seeking to quash the decision.

PTI

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