Telangana HC clears Congress leaders of 2021 rally charges

Telangana High Court quashed a case against Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy over a 2021 rally, ruling no evidence of provocation, violence or law-and-order disruption

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice K. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court on Monday quashed a criminal case registered against Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.

The case pertained to a Congress rally held in 2021 from Saidabad to Raj Bhavan, demanding repeal of the three Central farm laws and a reduction in fuel prices. A complaint lodged at Saidabad Police Station alleged that the rally was conducted without prior police permission and caused traffic disruption.

Both leaders approached the High Court seeking to quash the proceedings, contending that the allegations did not disclose any offence.

After examining the record, the Court observed that there was no material to suggest that the petitioners had delivered provocative speeches, instigated violence, or created a law-and-order problem during the rally.

Holding that continuation of the proceedings would amount to abuse of the process of law, the Court allowed the petitions and set aside the case.