Telangana High Court Directs State to Address Plea on Illegal Immigrants in Hyderabad
The Telangana High Court has issued a directive to the state government, seeking its response to a writ petition that highlights concerns over the presence of illegal immigrants in Hyderabad. The court has given the state a three-week deadline to formulate and present its stance on this pressing matter.
Petition Details and Background
The petition was filed by advocate K Karuna Sagar, who initially approached the high court last month. His complaint centered on the police authorities' refusal to grant permission for a public event titled 'Dharma Raksha Sabha'. This event was intended to raise public awareness about the illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar residing in Hyderabad, particularly in the Balapur locality.
In response to the petition, the government pleader for Home submitted written instructions to the court. These instructions revealed that Balapur is a communally sensitive area, with approximately 6,993 Rohingya Muslims living in 26 camps as of October 30, 2025. Due to this sensitivity, the authorities deemed it inadvisable to permit the public event in that location.
Court's Intervention and Conditions
Despite the initial refusal, the high court later allowed the 'Dharma Raksha Sabha' to proceed under strict conditions. However, following this, the petitioner approached the city police commissioner and the director general of police, urging them to take necessary action against the illegal immigrants, as admitted by the state. When no action was taken, the petitioner returned to the high court with the current plea.
Legal Arguments and State's Alleged Inaction
Senior counsel L Ravichander, representing the petitioner, argued that the state government has already acknowledged the presence of nearly 7,000 illegal immigrants in the Balapur area. He emphasized that it is the duty of the state to ensure that no illegal immigrants reside within its borders. The counsel sought court directions for the police authorities to consider and act upon the petitioner's representation, which simply inquired about the government's plans for these individuals.
Ravichander further alleged that the state government has not only failed to deport the illegal immigrants but has also remained silent in response to the petitioner's representation. This inaction, he contended, underscores a lack of commitment to addressing the issue.
Court's Orders and Future Proceedings
Justice E V Venugopal, presiding over the case, sought to understand the Union government's stance on the matter. Upon learning that the central government was not a party to the case, the judge directed that it be included. This move aims to ensure a comprehensive approach to the issue, involving both state and central authorities.
The court has now granted three weeks for the Telangana state government to respond to the petition. This period will allow the government to outline its plans and actions regarding the identification, verification, and potential deportation of the illegal immigrants. The inclusion of the central government as a party is expected to facilitate coordinated efforts in addressing this complex and sensitive issue.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about immigration and security in Hyderabad, with legal and governmental bodies now compelled to address these matters formally. The outcome of this response could have significant implications for policy and enforcement related to illegal immigration in the region.
