Patna, Jan 3: The high court today dismissed a petition challenging the membership of deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Sanjay Kumar Singh of the JD(U) in the Bihar Legislative Council.

A bench of Justice Sheema Ali Khan allowed SBK Mangalam, the counsel of Bisheshwar Nath Singh who had moved the public interest litigation (PIL), to withdraw the plea.

Mangalam said of the total 75 members in the Council, 25 should be elected by the members of the Lower House (Legislative Assembly). Modi and Singh are the 26th and the 27th members of the Upper House. Mangalam added that they should be disqualified from the Council.

Notice to DGP

The high court today directed the director-general of police to file his reply within three weeks on a PIL seeking direction to clear the land belonging to LP Shahi College allegedly encroached upon by Ram Krishna Nagar police station. A division bench, comprising Justice T. Meena Kumari and Justice Gopal Prasad, passed the direction while hearing a petition filed by one Dr Manju.

Train service order

The high court today directed the railways to ensure smooth running of trains between Danapur and Patna Junction. It passed the order while hearing a PIL by one Pradip Kumar

Overloaded vehicles

The high court today directed the state to file its reply within four weeks on a PIL seeking direction to the government to check plying of overloaded vehicles on Patna-Hajipur road.