Telangana High Court Permits BRS To Hold 'Peaceful' Rythu Maha Dharna–Farmer's Protest On January 28

The Telangana High Court on Wednesday (January 22) granted Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to organize a "peaceful protest meeting"–Rythu Maha Dharna (farmer's prorest) at the Clock Tower in Nalgonda on January 28 for four hours, limiting it to 1500 people.

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy in his order said, “ln the circumstances, there shall be interim direction to the respondent No.3 (Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Nalgonda District) to permit the petitioner to organize peaceful protest meeting (Dharna) at Marriguda Bypass Road to Clock Tower on 28.01.2025 between 11 AM and 2 PM with 1500 people. The petitioner shall ensure that persons with criminal antecedents do not take part in the peaceful protest; no provocative statements/slogans are raised in the meeting; no breach of peace and public tranquility is caused and no inconvenience is caused to the general public. However, if there is any break down of law and order, the police are at liberty to take action in accordance with law". 

Reportedly the protest is being staged by farmers against the ruling government on the ground of alleged failure to keep up with the promises made during the last Assembly elections.

A lunch motion was before the high court on Wednesday by Bhonagiri Devender, Town President Nalgonda of the party after police permission was reportedly denied.

During the hearing the counsel for the petitioner submitted that arrangements have been made for organizing public meeting on January 28 and requested the High Court to permit the petitioner to organize a peaceful protest meeting (Dharna) on Marriguda Bypass Road. 

The Government Pleader for Home submitted that Marriguda Bypass Road to CIock Tower is a main road in Nalgonda and if procession is permitted, it would cause disturbance to public and may create traffic jam. The counsel submitted that the petitioner may be directed to organize peaceful protest meeting at NG Gollege Ground or Beside MNR Gardens, Marriguda Bypass Road, which would not cause inconvenience to the general public.

However the petitioner's counsel said that the Clock Tower is a "designated protest site (Dharna Chowk)" and there are several instances when political parties have organized public meetings and protests at that site.

The court after hearing the contentions permitted the protest however laid down certain restrictions including that persons with criminal antecedents will not be permitted to take part and no provocative statements/slogans will be raised.

The matter is next listed on January 29. 

Case title: Bhonagiri Devender vs. State of Telangana

Counsel for petitioner: Advocate K Roopender

Counsel for respondents: GP for Home.

Click Here To Read/Download Order