The Andhra Pradesh High Court has overturned a government order that banned public meetings on roads and roadsides in the state. A group of opposition party leaders filed petitions challenging the order, and the court found that it could be detrimental to fundamental rights. The order, which cited public safety concerns, was issued on January 2, 2023 and suspended by an interim order from the High Court on January 12. The government argued that it only regulated public meetings and made prior permission mandatory in light of recent stampede incidents. The Supreme Court directed the High Court to expedite the hearing related to the order, and the final verdict was delivered on Friday, with the court striking down the order.
The government had asked authorities under Section 30 of the Police Act, 1861 to consider the possibility of recurrence of a stampede during a roadshow by an opposition party leader when reviewing applications for public meetings on public roads and streets. The ban was issued in the wake of the incident, which resulted in eight deaths. Several opposition figures filed petitions challenging the order, alleging that it was an attempt to silence them.
