AP HC disposes of plea against APNGOs' meeting in Hyd tomorrow

Andhra Pradesh High Court today disposed of a writ petition filed by two advocates from Telangana region, questioning grant of permission to the AP Non-Gazetted Officers (APNGOs) association to hold a public meeting here tomorrow.
The two advocates-- Sri Ranga Rao and Srinivas-- yesterday challenged in the high court permission given to the 'Save AP' meeting to be held at the L B Stadium here tomorrow. They had expressed their apprehensions about possible law and order problems.
Justice N Ramamohana Rao asked the petitioners to approach the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) and also directed that if any representation is made by the petitioners, the DCP shall objectively consider the overall situation and pass appropriate order before the commencement of the meeting.

The petitioners argued that the APNGOs, being an organisation of government servants, cannot stage such a protest, and it amounted to subordination and agitating on a political issue.
They further alleged that the government machinery and particularly Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and the Director General of Police were exhibiting partiality by tacitly supporting the meeting.
APNGOs Association, which represents Seemandhra employees, was granted conditional permission by police to hold 'Save AP' meeting between 2 pm and 5 pm. Only those carrying valid identity cards would be allowed inside the meeting.
Prohibitory orders under Hyderabad Police Act have already been imposed in the city. Security forces, including 45 platoons of Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) and 11 companies of paramilitary forces, were being deployed for the peaceful conduct of the meeting and to prevent untoward incidents after some Telangana groups threatened "violent agitations" against the meeting.