High Court notice to State over journalist accreditation expiry; hearing Feb 26

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court issued notice to the State Government over journalist accreditation expiry, as accreditation cards are set to lapse on February 28, 2026.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin heard the petition filed by the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation. The petition raised concerns regarding the impending expiry of accreditation cards and alleged violations under the Telangana Media Accreditation Rules, 2025, including G.O. Ms. No. 252 and subsequent amendments.

During the hearing, the Court noted submissions that authorities had not complied with earlier directions. Consequently, the Bench directed the Public Prosecutor to file a counter-affidavit on or before February 26, 2026. It also instructed all respondents to place their responses before the next date of hearing.

High Court advances hearing on journalist accreditation expiry

The Court observed that any delay could disrupt professional access for journalists due to journalist accreditation expiry. Therefore, considering the approaching February 28 deadline, the Bench advanced the matter and posted it for further hearing on February 26.

Although the Public Prosecutor sought time until March 12 citing a related listed matter, the Court declined the request. Instead, it fixed an earlier hearing in view of the urgency surrounding journalist accreditation expiry.

The Federation sought quashing of G.O. Ms. No. 252 and amended G.O. Rt. No. 103. It also requested interim directions to prevent the lapse of existing accreditation cards during the pendency of the case.

Appearing for the Federation, Advocate Barkat Ali Khan argued that any interruption in accreditation validity would infringe fundamental rights under Articles 14, 16, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. He contended that accreditation cards function as institutional safeguards for media professionals and that expiry would affect hundreds of journalists and their families.

The outcome of the February 26 hearing is expected to determine the immediate course of action in the matter.