The Supreme Court agreed to hear the petition filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday challenging the High Court order staying the Government Order restricting public meetings on roadside.
Appearing for respondent on caveat, Advocate Amit Pai informed the bench that the stay is expiring on January 23
The order came after the state government filed an appeal with the Supreme Court on Tuesday, challenging the Andhra Pradesh high court order that stayed the implementation of GO No. 1 that ban rallies and meetings on public roads and highways until January 23.
The dispute centres on GO No.1 issued by the State Government to restrict public gatherings after 11 people were killed in two stampedes during events addressed by TDP chief N.Chandrababu Naidu.
CPI State Secretary K. Ramakrishna had challenged GO 1 in the High Court, claiming that it amounted to a “blanket ban” on public meetings, infringing on people’s right to freedom of expression.
A High Court Division Bench comprised of Justices Battu Devanand and V.R.K Krupa Sagar stayed the G.O.’s implementation until January 23.
In order to challenge the High Court order, the State filed a Special Leave Petition with the Supreme Court, arguing that a regulatory measure was required to prevent deaths in stampede-like events.
The State denied that there was a blanket ban, claiming that the GO simply advised police to refrain from granting permission for public assemblies on public roads and road margins unless there were exceptional circumstances.
