HYDERABAD (MediaBoss Network): The ongoing dispute within the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA) has reached the judicial stage, with the Second Additional Junior Civil Judge Court at Kukatpally issuing an interim injunction to halt an unauthorized General Body meeting scheduled for September 13 at Hotel Anupama in Indira Nagar.
The court order explicitly restrains respondents K. Raghavendra, Y. Meher Babu, and others from using the association’s official letterheads, seals, stamps, minutes books, and signatures. It further prohibits them from corresponding with banks or other statutory authorities in the name of the association. The case has been posted for its next hearing on October 12, following the issuance of formal notices to all respondents.
Key Legal and Administrative Highlights
- Preservation of Funds: The association’s bank accounts containing approximately $₹4$ crore intended for member welfare have been frozen as a protective measure to prevent unauthorized access.
- Authorized Signatories: Valid financial transactions require the joint signatures of the elected President, General Secretary, and Treasurer/Cashier.
- Continuation of Membership Enrolment: New membership card issuance will proceed strictly under the guidance and approved lists provided by the Joint Commissioner of Labour (JCL) Office.
- Refutation of Leadership Claims: The Executive Committee formally rejected social media reports claiming choreographer Raghu Master had assumed the presidency, reaffirming that V.V. Sumalatha Devi’s election victory stands fully valid.
Allegations of Bye-Law Violations and Systems Hacking
According to filings submitted to the court along with copies of police complaints, the dispute stems from an unauthorized gathering held on August 30 without the required notice, where a rogue executive committee was unilaterally announced.
Petitioners informed the court that the association’s official email account was compromised to send forged authorization letters to the Union Bank of India, Jubilee Hills branch, attempting to illegally alter bank account signatories.
Executive Committee Statements
V.V. Sumalatha Devi, President
“The executive committee elected through the ballot-paper process for the 2025–2027 term alone holds the legal authority to administer the association’s affairs. Unverified claims on social media do not override standard rules, and anyone violating the court’s interim directions will face severe legal consequences.”
General Secretary, TFTDDA
“This situation is a conspiracy orchestrated by individuals who lost the ballot election. They are acting out of fear because our administration tightened rules regarding programme in-charges and exposed operational irregularities. Simply gathering four people to sign a paper does not form a valid governing body under the law.”
Israel, Treasurer/Cashier
“The court stepped in precisely because unauthorized individuals created fake letterheads and disrupted routine administrative work. The injunction provides essential legal relief to ensure our elected body can function without interference.”
Resolution Pathways and Federation Mediation
To resolve the governance crisis, the elected executive committee is actively engaging with Telugu Film Industry Federation President Anil. Talks are currently progressing to convene an official General Body meeting within four to five days in the presence of Federation elders.
Leadership has urged all members, choreographers, and dancers to disregard unverified social media claims, avoid external factions, and bring any internal grievances directly to the recognized union office.
