Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka ordered the immediate withdrawal of cases filed against UoH students

 UHTA & Civil Society DEMANDS

1. Immediate withdrawal of police forces and prohibitory orders from the HCU campus

2. Withdrawal of all recent cases against agitating students and immediate release of 2 students in custody.

3. Permit expert faculty/researchers to conduct damage assessment and biodiversity survey in the 400 acres.

4.  Participation in future meetings conditional on fulfillment of the above 3 demands.

 Response from Ministers Panel

* Police will be withdrawn from all areas except the 400 acres, after VC assures student and campus security. Supreme Court mandates protection of that land.

*Deputy CM ordered immediate withdrawal of cases and release of 2 detained students. Law Dept. instructed to ensure a smooth legal process.

 *Survey not permitted as per Supreme Court's order to maintain status quo. No activities allowed until further notice.

* Ministers expressed readiness to continue dialogue and invited student representatives for discussions.

mahesh avadutha I hyderabad

The first meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee constituted by the Government of Telangana to deliberate on the University of Hyderabad (UOH)–Kancha Gachibowli land issue was held at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Secretariat on Monday.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and attended by committee members Minister for Revenue Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Minister for IT and Industries Dudilla Sridhar Babu. The deliberations took place in the presence of Meenakshi Natarajan, AICC in-charge for Telangana, and Vamshi Chand Reddy, Special Invitee to the Congress Working Committee.

The committee interacted with representatives of the University of Hyderabad Teachers' Association (UHTA) and civil society organizations who placed three urgent demands before the ministers. These included immediate withdrawal of police forces and prohibitory orders from the HCU campus, withdrawal of all recent cases filed against protesting students, and permission for expert faculty and researchers to conduct a biodiversity and damage assessment survey in the 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli land.

The representatives expressed concern that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of students had refrained from attending the meeting due to the government's failure to meet these immediate demands. They emphasized that both the JAC and civil society would participate in further consultations only after these issues are addressed.

Government’s response and legal constraints

After careful consideration of the concerns raised, the Ministerial Sub-Committee assured that the government remains committed to a democratic and consultative resolution. However, they clarified that in light of the recent Supreme Court order mandating police protection for the 400 acres under dispute, complete withdrawal of security forces from that area is currently not possible. 

The committee assured that a letter will be sent to the Vice Chancellor of UoH seeking cooperation in ensuring the safety of students and campus property. Upon receiving such an assurance, the police force may be withdrawn from the remaining areas of the campus, excluding the 400 acres.

Addressing the matter of students’ arrests and criminal charges, the committee expressed a sympathetic stance. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka ordered the immediate withdrawal of cases filed against UoH students and instructed law department officials to coordinate with the police to ensure legal procedures are followed properly. Special focus was placed on securing the release of the two students currently in judicial remand.

Regarding the demand for conducting a survey on the disputed land, the ministers reiterated that the Supreme Court’s order to maintain status quo prohibits any kind of activity, including surveys by faculty, researchers, or students, until further direction is received.

Invitation for further Dialogue

The committee reiterated its openness to dialogue and affirmed its willingness to visit the UoH campus and engage directly with students. However, considering the ongoing legal proceedings and the sensitive nature of the matter, such a visit is deferred for now. The Ministerial Sub-Committee extended an open invitation to student representatives to meet with them and share their concerns and suggestions directly.

The meeting resolved to protect democratic rights, academic freedom, and environmental concerns, while respecting legal mandates. The Ministers emphasized that the suggestions made by the UHTA and civil society groups would be carefully reviewed and acted upon in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.