The Samaikhyandhra movement espousing a unified state cause received a double whammy from the judiciary on Monday as the supreme court struck down a petition seeking a stay on the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The apex court gave its ruling based on the premise that the union government has not officially moved forward to divide the state. It found the petition not maintainable in the absence of a formal process to suggest to this end.

The supreme court ruling came within hours of the Andhra Pradesh high court toeing the same line with regard to a separate petition. The high court dismissed the petition seeking orders suspending the bifurcation process.

In yet another blow, the AP high court also took serious exception to the state NGOs’ indefinite strike to press for the cause of a unified state. The high court made stinging remarks against the warring employees while taking up a petition. The plea was filed against the ongoing stir by the government employees across the Seemandhra regions.

Last week, the high court asked the AP NGOs to file their counter on the petition today. But the agitating employees appealed to the court to give time till Friday to come out with their counter.

The court on this occasion warned the AP NGOs with stringent action if they failed to adhere to its directions by Friday. Expressing its displeasure, the high court said that everyone should discharge his duties as a responsible citizen of the country.