Telangana High Court permits protest meeting against ethanol factory in Nirmal

The decision came following a writ petition filed by Katikam Raja Reddy, representing local farmers concerned about the environmental impact of the industrial project.

BY LEGAL CORRESPONDENT

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday permitted the conduct of a Prajagalam Bahiranga Sabha (public meeting) at the Pochamma Temple in Dilawarpur village in Nirmal district, aimed at protesting the setting up of an ethanol factory in the area. The decision came following a writ petition filed by Katikam Raja Reddy, representing local farmers concerned about the environmental impact of the industrial project. The petition challenged the rejection of permission for the meeting by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, who cited Section 30 of the Police Act, which regulates public assemblies and aims to maintain peace and harmony within the district.

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During the proceedings, Senior Counsel V. Raghunath, representing the petitioners, emphasized the committee’s intention to raise awareness about the potential hazards posed by the factory, asserting that it could lead to significant contamination of agricultural land and detrimental effects on the environment. He highlighted that the situation could harm not only current farmers but also future generations by depriving them of a clean and healthy environment. Raghunath further noted that the farmers have been conducting relay hunger strikes for the last 80 days, stressing that the denial of permission infringed upon their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

Senior Counsel P. Sri Raghuram, representing PMK Distillations Pvt Ltd, argued that the assembly could lead to law and order issues, citing prior incidents involving protests. He also pointed out that many locals support the factory due to the job opportunities it promises. The Government Pleader supported the police’s original decision, warning of a potential public outcry and further unrest if the meeting proceeded.

After hearing both sides, Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy directed that the public meeting could be held under specific conditions. The petitioners are required to submit a list of speakers and the number of expected participants, while organizers must ensure no individuals with criminal backgrounds are included. The meeting was permitted to take place between 11 an and 5 pm on October 18. The court also instructed the police to maintain order and take action against anyone posing a threat to public safety during the event.