The Telangana High Court has directed the Telangana DGP and social media platforms Meta, X and Google to remove certain social media content connected with the ongoing court proceedings concerning the Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak welfare schemes.
Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar also directed the platforms not to allow further publication of material relating to the court proceedings concerning the schemes.
Why did the court issue the direction?
- During the hearing, advocate Vijay Gopal, appearing in person in the case, told the court that a particular social media account was allegedly circulating false and contemptuous information about the proceedings.
- He also alleged that the account had made accusations against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in connection with the welfare schemes.
- The advocate further told the court that there were more than 70 cases against the social media user and sought police protection, alleging that he had received threats.
What is the main case about?
- The social media issue is separate from the underlying legal challenge involving Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak.
- Earlier, the Telangana High Court had issued an interim stay on eight government orders governing the two schemes while examining their constitutional and legal validity.
- The petitioner has questioned whether the schemes have adequate legislative or statutory backing and has raised constitutional questions regarding government expenditure and eligibility conditions.
- The Telangana government has opposed the challenge and defended the schemes as important welfare programmes for eligible families.
Court Questions Government Priorities
- During the proceedings, the court also questioned the government’s priorities, particularly regarding timely compensation for land acquired by the government and employment opportunities.
- The court clarified that it was not opposed to welfare schemes, but was examining their legal backing and broader government priorities.
What Happens Next?
The legal challenge to Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak remains pending before the High Court. Further hearings will determine the future of the government orders and the schemes.
Important: The High Court’s latest order does not mean that Kalyana Lakshmi or Shaadi Mubarak has been permanently cancelled. The matter remains under judicial consideration.
