Don’t hinder free movement of people at Vemulaghat: HC

Justice M S Ramachandra Rao of the High Court at Hyderabad on Monday found fault with the government of Telangana State for imposing a curfew like scenario at Vemulaghat village under Siddipet mandal in Medak district in connection with protests against Mallannasagar project.

The judge was dealing with a petition filed by Yerranagari Santosh Reddy and 5 others. The petitioners complained that the government had refused to relax the ban orders under Section 144 Cr.P.C. As reported earlier, the petitioners questioned the prolonged imposition of Section 144 Cr.P.C. in the area.

They contended that people were not allowed to enter the village and whoever tried to enter were ordered to produce proof of therir identity. It may be recalled that the judge had pointedly asked the government whether the area was a “War Zone.” Counsel for the petitioner Rachna informed the court that an eerie sense of terror was felt.

The judge directed the police not to interfere with the rights of the residents of the village or of outsiders to move freely in the village or move goods for purpose of business or assemble peaceably in the village or go to their fields for agriculture purpose. While observing that the village was not a disturbed area, the judge ordered the police not to insist on people proving their identity for freely moving in the village or revealing their movements.