Remove barricades; ensure YS Sharmila's personal liberty, free movement: TS HC to police

Telangana High Court directed the police to remove the barricades at the residence of YSRTP President YS Sharmila and ensure her personal liberty and free movement without causing any inconvenience to the general public.

Hearing Sharmila's Lunch Motion Petition, Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy said that there was no need for a huge police presence. He asked the police to deploy only 10 women cops near her house.

Justice Bollam also directed the police to remove the barricades put up in front of her house. "If there is any violation of Court order, liberty is given to the police to act according to the law. Further, programs on the roads should be avoided by her and not cause public problems," the Court said.

In the Plea, YS Sharmila alleged that she has been placed under house arrest since Tuesday night and not allowed to venture out.

Government Pleader for Home Mamidi Roopender informed the Court that she had violated the court conditions and police went to serve the notice.

Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy asked why the police are keeping an eye on her activities and movements.

"Speaking lies is also a Fundamental Right. Is there any law that says the person should not tell lies?" Justice Bollam asked GP.

Moreover, Lawful is different from truthful. Sec 19 (1) A clearly defines freedom of speech and expression

Politicians can say anything in society, they have to speak out, Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy said.

"High Court Conditions are only meant for Padayatra. If she is staying in her house, what conditions she violated? According to you, if the promise of every act is an offence and violation of law, then every politician has to be booked for breach of trust under section 420, 406 IPC. Why are you targeting YS Sharmila? According to her, it's a lie, according to you it's a truth. She is free to say whatever she wants," the Court said.

Roopender informed the Court that as per the conditions imposed by the Magistrate, Nampally, Hyderabad that she should not pass objectionable comments against any individual and Government.

Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy said that let anyone explain what is objectionable. Moreover, the Judge said that he has come across one expression that is unwelcome behavior.

The court said If she violated the court order, did the government file an application for cancellation of bail?

Roopender said that on December 9she went to garland the Ambedkar statue at Tank Bund, Hyderabad. He said without any permission she staged a protest on the road, obstructed vehicular traffic, and caused a lot of problems for the people.

Justice Bollam further asked why barricades are being put up outside her house. "It is like house arrest," he observed.

GP informed that it is kept only to regulate the traffic and not to obstruct the petitioner.

Justice Bollam suggested petitioner's counsel advise the client to control her emotions.

GP informed the Court that she is not informing the police where she is going. "When it's personal, will not interfere. But she is going to meet the Governor, protesting at Tank Bund and carrying other political activities. she should inform the police and take prior permission for security reasons," he said.

The Court observed that the petitioner is violating the bail conditions and causing problems for the people.

Further, she has a habit of leaving her house by giving false information about her programs and movement. She is creating problems for the police and also causing huge traffic jams.