Hyderabad: Anticipating potential unrest from various organizations and political parties, the Hyderabad Police have implemented prohibitory orders that prohibit the assembly of five or more individuals, as well as processions and rallies, for a duration of one month.
Police Commissioner C.V. Anand stated that the police had credible information indicating that several groups are attempting to incite disturbances that could disrupt public peace in Hyderabad. To ensure order and tranquility, Commissioner Anand issued the prohibition under the authority granted by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (previously Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code). The notification restricts all forms of gatherings, including processions, dharnas, rallies, and public meetings. Furthermore, it prohibits individuals or groups from making speeches, gestures, or showcasing symbols and messages that could disturb public order in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
While general protests are not permitted, peaceful dharnas and demonstrations are authorized only at Indira Park and Dharna Chowk; any protests in other areas of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are banned.
Violators of these orders, particularly near the Secretariat and other sensitive locations, will face legal action under applicable laws. Exemptions to this order apply to police officers (including Home Guards and Special Police Officers) on duty, military personnel fulfilling their duties, legitimate funeral processions, educational flying squads, and individuals or groups granted exemptions by the competent authority.
These prohibitory orders went into effect at 6 p.m. on October 27 and will remain in place until 6 p.m. on November 28.
The decision to impose these restrictions follows heightened political tensions surrounding ongoing protests by opposition parties against the proposed demolition of homes in the Musi Riverbank and buffer zone, as part of the Musi Riverfront Development Project. Additionally, there have been demonstrations from the Telangana State Police Force battalion constables and their families demanding improved service conditions. Notably, two days prior, the wives of constables protested in front of the state Secretariat.
Recent events also included violent protests related to vandalism at a temple in Secunderabad, along with demonstrations by opposition parties, such as the BRS and BJP, advocating for the postponement of the Telangana State Public Service Commission’s Group-I exam.