The Telangana High Court quashed proceedings against Telangana Vidyarthi Vedika Members protesting for the release of Prof. G.N. Sai Baba and Varavara Rao.

Prof. G.N. Sai baba was accused by the government of links with banned left-wing extremist organisations and Varavara Rao was an accused in Bhima Koregaon Case.

The bench of Justice K. Sujana was hearing a Criminal Petition filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, seeking to quash proceedings for offences alleged under Sections 143, 341, 290, 186 read with Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code.

Advocate T. Rahul appeared for the Petitioners and Assistant Public Prosecutor S. Ganesh appeared for the Respondent.

Brief Facts-

The sub inspector of Police reported that Telangana Vidyarthi Vedika (TVV) held an unauthorised protest at Dr B.R. Ambedkar's statue, obstructing traffic and causing a public nuisance. Despite police warnings, the protestors continued and were arrested. A second group also gathered and was detained. Police registered a case under Sections 143, 341, 290, and 186 read with Section 149 of the IPC.

The Court noted that in the present case, there are no allegations that the petitioners used offensive language and there is no evidence to show that due to unlawful assembly, nuisance is caused to the public and that the petitioners have obstructed the free flow of traffic or obstructed the public or the authorities from discharging their duties.

Hence, according to the Court continuation of proceedings against the petitioners is not tenable and is liable to be quashed.

Accordingly, the Court quashed the proceedings and allowed the Criminal Petition.

Cause Title: Kothapally Mahesh v. State of Telangana

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