Telangana High Court hears media accreditation policy case, next hearing on April 29
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court heard petitions challenging the media accreditation policy, placing the dispute over press freedom and administrative control at a critical stage.
A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao took up the matter and issued notices to senior officials, seeking a response from the government.
The case arose from petitions filed by the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists Federation and others. They challenged GO Ms. No. 252 and GO Rt. No. 103, calling them unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The bench noted that the government had not filed its counter affidavits despite expiry of the earlier deadline. Therefore, the court posted the matter to April 29, 2026, for further hearing.
Petitioners argued that the media accreditation policy introduced stringent eligibility norms for digital platforms and Urdu journalists. As a result, smaller organisations and regional language professionals face exclusion from official recognition.
They said such conditions marginalise emerging digital platforms and Urdu media. In addition, they argued that the policy undermines diversity within the media ecosystem.
Dispute intensifies over media accreditation policy norms
Petitioners contended that the policy violates Articles 14, 16, 19, and 21 of the Constitution. They argued that accreditation is not merely an identity document but a critical tool for accessing official information and performing professional duties.
They further said denial or lapse of accreditation affects the right to livelihood, as it directly impacts a journalist’s work and income.
Meanwhile, the court declined to stay the policy at this stage. However, it directed authorities to extend the validity of existing accreditation cards till April 30, 2026, granting interim relief.
Senior advocate Barkat Ali Khan argued that the policy contradicts constitutional guarantees and earlier government norms. He said, “Accreditation cards act as a protective shield for media professionals. Allowing them to lapse amounts to curtailing fundamental rights.”
The case has now assumed significance for the future of press freedom in the state. The next hearing on April 29, 2026, is expected to shape the course of the media accreditation policy and its impact on digital and regional journalism.