T SRIRANGA RAO Vs. DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is moved by two practicing advocates seeking a writ of mandamus for declaring Proceedings dated 03-09-2013 of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone, Hyderabad (henceforth referred to as 'the DCP'), granting permission to the 4th respondent - The Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers' Association - to hold public meeting on 07-09-2013 at Lal Bahadur Stadium, Bhasheer Bagh, Hyderabad, as illegal, arbitrary, unreasonable, without jurisdiction and contrary to the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (for short 'the Rules) and violative of the fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(d) & (g) and 21 of the Constitution of India. The petitioners are also public spirited individuals.

(2.) The Working Committee of the Indian National Congress Party met on 30-07- 2013 and decided to request the Government of India to take steps for formation of a separate State of Telangana with a view to fulfill the longstanding demand of large sections of the people of Telangana region, their social, economic, political and other aspirations. The Government of India is yet to take a decision in that regard. But however, the 4th respondent appears to have filed an application on 20-08-2013 before the DCP requesting to grant necessary permission to conduct a meeting on 07-09-2013 from 11-00 am onwards at Lal Bahadur Stadium, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, to keep the State of Andhra Pradesh united. It is proposed for the said meeting to draw employees from different fields to raise their voice regarding united Andhra Pradesh. Conceding to this request, the DCP accorded the necessary permission through his Order dated 03-09-2013 for conducting "Employees Meeting" at Lal Bahadur Stadium, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, on 07-09- 2013 from 2-00 pm to 5-00 pm, subject to the 19 conditions specified thereunder.

(3.) It is this Order which gave raise to the present writ petition.