Gedala Venkata Krishna Rao, Srikakulam Dist. v. The Md.,Andhra Bank, Hyderabad, And 4 Otrs.

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE P.KESHAVA RAO WRIT PETITION NO. 22639 OF 2015 ORDER:

1.

There is no representation on behalf of the petitioner. 2.

The prayer sought in the Writ Petition is as under: " ....to issue a writ, order or direction more particularly one in the nature of writ of MANDAMUS declaring the action of the respondents in shifting the Andhra Bank, Cheedipudi Branch 0947 to Budithi in pursuance of the impugned sanction dated 25-2-2015 issued by the 5th respondent is illegal, arbitrary and violation of the principles of natural justice and consequently direct the respondents not to shift the Andhra Bank, Cheedipudi Branch 0947 to Budithi and consider the representation of the petitioner."

3.

The specific case of the petitioner is that he is a retired Principal and an account holder of Andhra Bank, Cheedipudi branch. The Andhra Bank, Cheedipudi branch - 0947 was opened in the year 1989 and commenced its operations with effect from 16.4.1989. It has been rendering services not only to the villagers of Cheedipudi village, but also for the surrounding villages. However, in the year 2012, there was a proposal for shifting of the said bank to another village. Since the petitioner as well as the other villagers in Cheedipudi village are interested to continue the said bank in the very same village, the present Writ Petition is filed opposing the shifting of the bank.

4.

Respondent Nos. 1 to 3 and 5 filed counter affidavit stating that as per RBI Circular No. RBI/ 2014-15/ 77 dated 1.7.2014, the bank authorities have obtained approval from Srikakulam district Consultative Committee for shifting of the premises from Cheedipudi to Budithi. The reason for shifting of the bank was that

the premises was in a dilapidated condition. The owner of the premises also issued a legal notice for shifting of the bank. Therefore, the proposal for shifting of the bank to another premises was made. In fact, the shifting of the bank has been ratified by the people of the nearby villages i.e., self-help groups, agriculturists, labour, rice mill owners, merchants and others by giving consent and provided no objection letter to the respondents. It is further mentioned in the counter affidavit that the site offered by one G.V. Murali Mohan Babu to construct the premises for the bank is not suitable since it is located in the corner of Cheedipudi village and it is far off for many service areas of the branch. 5.

Be that as it may, from the perusal of the material on record, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner has no locus standi or any vested right to insist for continuation of Andhra Bank, Cheedipudi village in the very same village.

6.

During the course of hearing, learned Standing Counsel appearing for respondent Nos. 1 to 3 and 5 brought to the notice of this Court that the bank has already been shifted from Cheedipudi branch to Budithi.

7.

In that view of the matter, no further cause would survive in the Writ petition.

8.

Accordingly, the Writ Petition is dismissed.

Pending miscellaneous petitions, if any, shall also stand dismissed. No order as to costs.

__________________ P. KESHAVA RAO,J Date: 30.11.2018 KPM