THE HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SHRI NISAR AHMAD KAKRU and THE HON'BLE SHRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.6577 OF 2009 Dated: 22-03-2010 Between: Gangumolu Srinivasa Rao ... PETITIONER AND The Superintendent of Police, West Godavari District, Eluru (West Godavari District) and six others ... RESPONDENTS THE HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SHRI NISAR AHMAD KAKRU and THE HON'BLE SHRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.6577 OF 2009 ORDER: (per the Hon’ble the Chief Justice Shri Nisar Ahmad Kakru) Alleged harassment of two girl students having virtually gone unnoticed in the sense that no action was taken, therefore writ petition on hand in the public interest. In response to the averments made therein, the District Educational Officer – respondent 3 in his counter dated 10-08-2009 contended that the problem was solved by his predecessor by asking the alleged erring teachers to proceed on leave who were subsequently transferred. Crux of the reply is that except a verbal interaction, no proceedings were initiated against the teachers. Having regard to the proceedings recorded by the Division Bench, it was deemed appropriate to ask for a better affidavit from the officer, which he has filed supported by the material depicting initiation of disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1991. Enquiry though belated, but we are not inclined to draw any inference against the officer in view of the averment made in para 4 of the counter affidavit filed by him earlier. Needless to say that enquiry having commenced, it shall have to be taken to its logical end in accordance with the rules. We stop here on that count. Before parting with, it needs to be placed on record that the learned counsel appearing for the respondents 6 and 7 – teachers laid much emphasis on the absence of locus standi of the petitioner contending that there is no material which could persuade the Court to display indulgence. We were averse to mention anything about the facts of the case but since a contention is raised, reference to the enquiry report dated 28-06-2009 has become imperative, perusal whereof reveals that the complaint of harassment was supported by statement of father of one of the students. In addition to that, averments made in para 4 at page 2 of the counter of the District Educational Officer reveal that the incident was corroborated by statements of two women teachers too. The facts so narrated are sufficient to draw a prima facie view for giving credence to the institution of the writ petition on hand in the public interest. In the aforementioned backdrop, the writ petition shall stand settled. It goes without saying that any observation made herein shall not be taken into account by the Enquiry Officer, investigating agency or by the criminal Court. Disposed of. SANJAY KUMAR, J NISAR AHMAD KAKRU, CJ 22-03-2010 K. Shyleshi