Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday ordered a journalist accreditation extension till June 16, 2026, ensuring continuity for media professionals.
The court issued the direction while hearing petitions challenging G.O. Ms. No. 252 and its amended version under G.O. 103. The Telangana Urdu Working Journalists Federation and two others filed the petitions questioning the validity of these orders.
Advocate Barkat Ali Khan represented the petitioners. He sought protection for accreditation facilities during the legal process.
Journalist accreditation extension ensures continuity
During the hearing, the Special Advocate General presented the government’s stand. The state had earlier decided to extend accreditation cards by one month.
However, the court noted that the extension coincided with the summer vacation period. Therefore, it extended the validity further through this journalist accreditation extension order.
The court directed that all existing accreditation cards will remain valid until June 16, 2026. It also granted time to the state government to file a detailed counter affidavit.
As a result, accredited journalists can continue accessing official events without disruption. They will also retain all benefits linked to accreditation.
Journalist accreditation extension linked to legal challenge
The federation also filed an interlocutory application seeking detailed data from the government. It requested information on applications received, cards issued, and rejected cases with reasons.
The court will examine this request during the next hearing. Meanwhile, Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin, General Secretary of the federation, welcomed the relief but termed it temporary.
He said the federation would continue its legal challenge for a permanent solution. The court posted the next hearing to June 16, 2026.
The order ensures stability for journalists across Telangana. At the same time, it keeps the focus on ongoing concerns over accreditation policies.