Telangana High Court Strikes Down 17-Year-Old 'Rowdy Sheet' Against Hyderabad Resident
In a significant ruling that reinforces constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state action, the Telangana High Court has set aside a 17-year-old 'rowdy sheet' maintained against a resident of Hyderabad's old city. The court declared that continuing the surveillance record without recent criminal involvement constitutes a violation of the petitioner's fundamental right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Background of the Case
The order was delivered by Justice N Tukaramji on January 8, 2026, in response to a writ petition filed by Mohd Khalid, aged 35, in 2019. Khalid challenged the police action of opening the 'rowdy sheet' against him in 2008 and its annual renewal, arguing it was illegal, arbitrary, and contrary to Police Standing Orders. His counsel, V Raghunath, contended that the sheet was extended mechanically without the mandated periodic reviews, leading to mental and physical harassment through unwarranted police summons.
Court's Observations on Police Powers
Justice Tukaramji emphasized that while police are empowered under the Andhra Pradesh Police Manual, Standing Order 601-A, to maintain 'rowdy sheets' for habitual offenders threatening public order, such power is not absolute. The court highlighted that the Standing Order requires a review every six months to assess if continuation is justified. "Continuation without such review or without fresh material indicating potential involvement in offences renders the action arbitrary and unconstitutional," the judge stated.
The court noted that Khalid was involved in about seven criminal cases, the last registered in 2019, all of which were closed through acquittal or compromise. Despite this, the Assistant Government Pleader for Home argued for the sheet's continuation based on past involvement and "apprehension of possible re-involvement in criminal activities." The court rejected this, observing that "the continuance of the rowdy sheet without any fresh material or valid justification amounts to an arbitrary exercise of power."
Precedent and Broader Implications
This ruling follows an earlier judgment by Justice Tukaramji on December 11, 2025, which set aside a 'rowdy sheet' against an advocate on similar grounds. In that case, the court issued comprehensive directions to the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure preventive powers are exercised judiciously and constitutionally. It mandated the establishment of a state-level oversight mechanism for annual audits of all suspect sheets across districts, aiming to enhance accountability and transparency.
Outcome and Directives
The court quashed the 'rowdy sheet' against Khalid and directed police authorities to immediately remove his name from relevant records and ensure no adverse entries remain. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in curbing potential misuse of police powers and protecting individual liberties from prolonged, unjustified surveillance.
By reinforcing the need for periodic reviews and fresh evidence, the Telangana High Court's ruling sets a precedent for safeguarding citizens against indefinite state monitoring, balancing law enforcement needs with constitutional rights in a democratic framework.
