Telangana High Court Issues Notices Over Controversial Police Cordon & Search Operations in Hyderabad
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad,20, September, 2024
On September 18, 2024, the Telangana High Court issued notices to the state government regarding the contentious cordon and search operations being carried out by the Hyderabad police. This development follows a public interest litigation (PIL) petition that raised concerns about the legality and intent behind these operations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao directed the Home Secretary, Hyderabad Police Commissioner, and the Director General of Police to respond within four weeks. The court sought detailed explanations for the implementation of these operations, including the rationale and objectives driving them.
In a significant legal development, the Telangana High Court has been called upon to evaluate the controversial cordon and search operations conducted by the Hyderabad police under initiatives like ‘Mission Chabutra’ and ‘Operation Romeo.’ A public interest litigation (PIL) has prompted the court to issue notices to state authorities, raising critical questions about the legality and human rights implications of these operations.
The petitioner, S.Q. Masood a resident of Basharat Nagar, a locality in the Old City under the police jurisdiction of Kala Pather, detailed a distressing experience during a cordon and search operation that took place on May 31, 2023, between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM. The petitioner asserts that over 200 police personnel, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Sai Chaitanya, conducted the operation without producing any warrants, entering homes in the dead of night.
Armed with heavy weapons, the officers reportedly went door to door, demanding identification and checking vehicle registration documents, which left many residents—particularly women and children—terrified and confused. The petitioner recounted that the sudden intrusion into their homes created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, as the residents had no prior warning or explanation for the police’s late-night presence.
Following the operation, videos showcasing the aggressive nature of these cordon and search activities quickly went viral, sparking nationwide scrutiny of the Hyderabad police’s methods. Media reports published on June 1, 2023, revealed that the police claimed to have checked 250 houses, identified 41 vehicles—including three auto-rickshaws—and conducted counselling sessions for 15 individuals identified as “rowdy sheeters,” warning them to avoid criminal activities.
The petitioner further argued that these operations raise serious concerns regarding adherence to established legal protocols, particularly the BNSS (Burden of Necessity, Suitability, and Sufficiency) rules, which are designed to ensure that police actions are justified and proportionate. By allegedly failing to comply with these regulations, the petitioner contends that the police actions not only infringe upon the rights of citizens but also undermine the principles of accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
As the High Court awaits responses from the Home Secretary, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, and the Director General of Police, the implications of this case extend beyond the immediate locality of Basharat Nagar. The outcome could significantly influence the operational framework of the Hyderabad police and could potentially reshape the ongoing discourse surrounding civil liberties and police conduct in the region.
This judicial scrutiny serves as a crucial reminder of the balance that must be struck between public safety and the protection of individual rights, especially in a democratic society where citizens expect their fundamental freedoms to be upheld. The Court’s ruling may set a precedent for how law enforcement agencies conduct similar operations in the future, emphasizing the necessity of lawful procedures and respect for citizens’ rights.
