(1.) This writ petition is field seeking for a direction to provide a gunman to the petitioner, as the Superintendent of Police, Kurnool failed to provide, in spite of several representations.
(2.) The petitioner states that he is a staunch supporter of Congress - (I) parry since a long time, and had been a follower of late Madduru Subba Reddy, Ex.-Member of Parliament (MP) from Nandyal Constituency. One Sri Byreddy Rajasekhar Reddy, 16lh Respondent, a sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Nandikotkur Constituency was opposed to late Madduru Subba Reddy. In the last Assembly elections, the 16th respondent contested on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ticket; while Congress (I) fielded one Gidda Reddy. While the petitioner was extending support to Gidda Reddy, the 16th respondent attacked him and also one Gouru Venkat Reddy at Kollabapuram village while they were canvassing for Congress - (I) candidate. After the said attack, gunman was provided to him. The followers of the 16th respondent had made attempts on the life of the petitioner on two or three occasions. At the instance of the Government, the fourth respondent submitted a detailed report stating that there is grave threat to the life of the petitioner. In spite of repeated requests, the third respondent has not provided a gunman to the petitioner, since he belonged to Congress - (I) party, although in all other cases where the intelligence department recommended for gunman, the fourth respondent has responded positively. Hence this writ petition.
(3.) On 14-10-1996, the following order is passed by this Court: