Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court ordered an inquiry on Thursday by Retd Judge Justice R.V. Ravindran of Supreme Court into the alleged conspiracy behind filing a petition with an intention to disrepute the High Court.

The probe will be done by former SC Judge R.V. Ravindran. The High Court has asked for a report within four weeks and directed the CBI and the Central Vigilance Commission to cooperate with the probe if necessary. The issue started with BC, SC & ST and Minority student federation filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court seeking to the State Government to declare the High Court area a red zone or containment zone in view of a large number of Covid- 19 cases allegedly being reported there and other an inquiry into the death of former Incharge Registrar General of High Court Rajashekar.

While the petition was still pending admission in the High Court, a suspended Judicial officer from Chittoor district S. Ramakrishna moved the High Court with an implead petition. He alleged that the petition in the name of student federation was filed with an intention to malign the image of the High Court. He also alleged that former High Court Judge Justice Eshwaraiah was responsible for the petition and submitted a pendrive consisting a telephonic conversation between him and Justice Eshwaraiah in which the latter reportedly claimed that the petition was moved with his backing.

Ramakrishna sought an inquiry into the issue with a High Court or Supreme Court Judge to find out all facts in the matter. Meanwhile, the High Court Registrar General filed an affidavit before the Court stating that the petition filed with ill intention.

Considering the petition by Ramakrishna and the affidavit by the Registrar General, the High Court agreed to hear the matter afresh. However, with new evidence coming on record that needs to verified, the High Court ordered an inquiry into the veracity of the audio recordings submitted by Ramakrishna. The High Court handover the responsibility of verifying the audio recordings to Justice Ravindran and asked him to submit a report within four weeks.

The High Court also said he can take the help of CBI and CVC if needed and directed both agencies to cooperate with the probe.