Contempt petition | Hyderabad, June 8 (Maxim News): A contempt case has been filed before the Telangana High Court alleging willful disobedience of judicial directions concerning the extension of Working Journalists’ Accreditation Cards, despite repeated assurances and undertakings given by government authorities before the Court.
The contempt proceedings arise from the continued failure of the Information and Public Relations Department to issue a formal circular or extension memorandum regarding media accreditation cards, notwithstanding specific directions passed by the Telangana High Court on April 30, 2026 and May 14, 2026.
According to the petitioners (Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation – TUWJF), the High Court had directed the authorities to ensure extension of accreditation cards and had also recorded the undertaking of the Additional Advocate General and the Special Advocate General regarding extension of validity.
During the hearing on May 14, 2026, the Court further directed the authorities to place the extension memorandum on record before the end of the day. However, despite the passage of several weeks, no such extension circular or memorandum has reportedly been issued by the office of the Commissioner or Director of Information and Public Relations.
The issue assumes significance as the authorities, in contrast, issued communications to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) regarding the continuation of bus pass facilities for accredited journalists.
A letter addressed to TGSRTC, specifically stated that the validity of media accreditation cards stood extended until June 16, 2026. Petitioners contend that while third party agencies were informed about the extension, the concerned department itself failed to issue any official circular extending accreditation cards for journalists across the State.
Contempt petition filed in Telangana High Court over accreditation card extension
With the summer vacation of the High Court now concluded and regular court functioning resumed, a contempt petition has been moved before the Telangana High Court alleging deliberate and willful violation of judicial directions and undertakings given before the Court. The matter is expected to be listed for hearing shortly.
It is to mention here that the controversy stems from ongoing litigation initiated by the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation and others challenging GO Ms. No. 252 and its subsequent amendments relating to journalist accreditation.
During earlier proceedings before the Vacation Bench, the Telangana High Court had expressed serious concern over the delay in extension of accreditation cards. The Federation informed the Court that accredited journalists across Telangana were facing severe hardships due to the continued uncertainty surrounding accreditation validity.
The contempt petition, which is expected to come up for hearing, is likely to focus on whether the authorities’ failure to act despite repeated court directions and recorded undertakings amounts to willful disobedience of judicial orders.
The main writ petitions challenging GO 252 (Media Accreditation Rules 2025) and its amendments are presently scheduled for further hearing on June 16, 2026, while the contempt proceedings are likely to be taken up independently in the coming days. (Maxim News)
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
