KTR demands clarity from Telangana Government on new criminal laws

HYDERABAD: BRS Working President K Taraka Rama Rao issued an open letter to the Telangana state government and the ruling Congress party, demanding they clarify their stance on the implementation of controversial new criminal laws.

He criticised the laws, which came into effect nationwide on July 1, as "draconian" and warned they could lead to a "police state."

KTR highlighted concerns that the laws infringe upon fundamental civil rights and personal freedoms. He pointed to criticism from legal experts and activists who argue the laws grant excessive power to the police and government, potentially stifling dissent and legitimate protest.

Citing opposition from Chief Ministers in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, KTR urged the Telangana government to follow suit. He demanded clarity on whether the state would implement the laws as is or seek amendments to protect civil liberties.

KTR demanded that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy write a letter to the Central Government demanding amendments. He said a resolution against the new laws should also be passed in the upcoming Assembly session. Failure to do so, KTR warned, would risk portraying the state government as "authoritarian and anti-people."

The new laws, which replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act (IEA) with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), have sparked widespread criticism.

Among the key concerns raised are provisions that criminalise peaceful protests against the government, extend police custody from 15 to 90 days, empower police to seize property without court orders, grant broad discretionary powers to investigative agencies, and contain ambiguous provisions regarding cybercrimes and privacy.

KTR expressed particular concern over the reintroduction of the sedition law as "treason," fearing it could be used to stifle criticism of government policies. He accused the Telangana government of already exhibiting authoritarian tendencies by using police to suppress protests by students, youth, and activists.

The BRS Working President urged extensive discussion on the new laws and called on the Congress party at the national and state levels to take a firm stand against what he deemed "dangerous laws." He insisted that Revanth Reddy publicly clarify his stance and take concrete steps to protect civil rights in line with the party's promise of democratic governance.