The Supreme Court has issued notices in a case challenging Telangana Government’s GO No. 46, which relates to the recruitment of 5,010 constable positions. The case, filed by 74 petitioners, including Maturi Srikanth, was heard on Monday by a bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih.
The petitioners approached the Supreme Court after their claims were dismissed by the Telangana High Court on August 28, 2024. Following the hearing, the Supreme Court scheduled the next session for January 27, 2025, and issued notices to the respondents.
During the hearing, senior advocate Aditya Sondhi, representing the petitioners, requested a stay on the recruitment process for the 900 vacant posts until the case is resolved. The court directed the state government to maintain the status quo on the recruitment until further orders. Alongside Sondhi, senior advocates G. Vidyasagar and Mithun Shashank also represented the petitioners in court.
The case revolves around allegations that GO No. 46, introduced in 2022, is discriminatory against candidates from rural areas. Critics claim the GO limits opportunities for rural aspirants, while supporters argue that it ensures equal chances for candidates from all districts.
In recent months, Hyderabad witnessed protests from candidates, including Sub-Inspector and Constable aspirants, opposing the recruitment guidelines. Some protesters accused the government of spreading misinformation and demanded that the order be revoked. On the other hand, supporters of the GO, including some police aspirants, argued that it promotes equality and avoids regional favoritism.
The government introduced GO No. 46 to address concerns from the 2018 recruitment notification, aiming to bring uniformity across districts. With the Supreme Court stepping in, the recruitment process is now temporarily halted, and the resolution awaits further hearings.
