Telangana High Court Extends Journalist Accreditation Cards Through Mid-June

The Telangana High Court has granted an extension of journalist accreditation cards, maintaining their validity through June 16, 2026. The decision came during proceedings on Thursday as the court examined legal challenges to two government orders regulating the accreditation framework.

The Telangana Urdu Working Journalists Federation, along with two other parties, approached the court to contest the legitimacy of G.O. Ms. No. 252 and its subsequent amendment under G.O. 103. Advocate Barkat Ali Khan appeared for the petitioners, urging the court to safeguard accreditation privileges while the legal matters remained pending.

During the proceedings, the government's representative outlined the state's position. While the administration had previously approved a one-month extension, the court determined that this timeframe would lapse during the summer recess. Taking this into account, the bench opted to extend accreditation validity substantially further.

The court's order ensures that all currently valid accreditation cards will function without interruption until June 16, 2026. Accredited journalists will continue to access official functions and maintain all associated privileges. The state was simultaneously directed to submit a comprehensive counter affidavit addressing the petitioners' concerns.

The federation had also filed an application requesting comprehensive data on accreditation matters. The request sought specifics on the total number of applications submitted, cards granted, and instances of rejection along with explanations. The court indicated it would review this application at the subsequent hearing.

Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin, General Secretary of the federation, acknowledged the court's interim relief but characterized it as a temporary measure. He stated that the federation intends to pursue its legal action to secure a permanent resolution to the underlying policy issues.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for June 16, 2026. The extension provides immediate stability for the journalism community in Telangana while questions surrounding accreditation policy remain under judicial examination.