Telangana High Court orders immediate release of detainee over procedural lapses

Telangana High Court ordered the immediate release of Arjun Singh after finding serious procedural lapses by police, including denial of hearing. Justice EV Venugopal suspended the impugned order, citing violation of natural justice, and posted the matter for further hearing on April 6

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice EV Venugopal of the Telangana High Court directed the immediate release of a detainee after finding serious procedural lapses in the order passed by the police authorities, including denial of an opportunity to be heard. The Court was dealing with a writ petition filed by Telpitiya Arjun Singh, who challenged the proceedings issued by the Special Executive Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Police, Balanagar Zone, Cyberabad. The impugned order had held the petitioner guilty of breach of bond and directed his detention in prison till July 6, 2026.

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At the stage of admission, the Court issued notice to the respondents and took on record submissions made by the Government Pleader seeking time to file a counter affidavit. However, upon perusal of the material, the Court noted that the petitioner had been detained pursuant to the proceedings without being given any prior opportunity to be heard.

Observing that such action amounts to a clear violation of the principles of natural justice and raises a prima facie legal infirmity, Justice Venugopal held that the continued detention of the petitioner could not be sustained at this stage. Accordingly, the Court suspended the operation of the impugned order and directed the authorities to take immediate steps to release the petitioner from custody forthwith, in accordance with law.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 6, 2026.