Human Rights Forum condemns police for preventing Revolutionary Writers’ Association meeting

The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has condemned the Telangana Police and the State government for allegedly preventing a meeting of the Revolutionary Writers’ Association that was scheduled to be held at the Sundarayya Vignana Kendram here on Sunday.In a press release issued on Monday, the organisation described the action as ‘undemocratic and arbitrary’, alleging that preventing a peaceful gathering reflected an intolerant and repressive approach that was unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.The forum contended that the police action violated the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and association guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution.

The HRF recalled that after assuming office, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had assured the Assembly that the Congress government would uphold democratic values and protect civil liberties, including freedom of expression.The organisation also referred to a similar incident in 2004, when Chikkadpally police had allegedly instructed the management of the Sundarayya Trust not to permit a meeting at the same venue.

It said the issue was subsequently taken up with the then Director General of Police and the Chief Minister, following which such meetings had continued without obstruction.Stating that the latest action raised concerns over shrinking democratic space in the state, the Human Rights Forum urged the CM to intervene immediately, review the matter and direct the police not to impose what it termed arbitrary restrictions on democratic activities. Published - July 06, 2026 07:26 pm IST Read Comments Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit READ LATER SEE ALL Remove