The Andhra Pradesh High Court has received a record six habeas corpus petitions in the past two days, a move that has raised serious concerns regarding the rights of detained social media activists and the actions of law enforcement. Two petitions were filed yesterday, and four more were submitted today, all alleging illegal detention without due legal process.
The petitions were filed by family members of those detained, including the cases of social media activists Jinkala Ramanjaneyulu, Tirupati Lokesh, Munagala Harishwar Reddy, Nakkina Shyam, and the couple Peddireddy Sudharani and Venkata Reddy, as well as Mohammad Khaja Basha. These family members report that their loved ones have been held without being presented before a court for up to three to four days. According to their claims, the detainees have been subjected to harassment, physical assault, and have even been denied food during their detention.
In response, the High Court expressed shock at the unprecedented number of habeas corpus petitions filed over such a short period, questioning the prevailing law enforcement situation within the state. The court has scheduled a hearing on these cases today at 2:15 PM and has summoned the Advocate General to appear in court to address the matter.
Reports indicate that over 100 cases have been registered against social media activists across Andhra Pradesh, with allegations that several of these activists are facing prolonged detention without due legal process. The court’s intervention highlights growing concerns over civil liberties, legal rights, and police accountability within the state.
The AP High Court’s decisive steps underscore the gravity of these cases and the urgency of addressing potential violations of human rights in detention practices.
