Telangana high court issues directions on journalist accreditation cards

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court on Thursday expressed serious concern over the delay in the renewal and extension of working journalists’ accreditation cards issued by the Information and Public Relations Department.The court made the observations while hearing petitions filed by journalist associations, which had earlier approached the HC. The petitioners informed the court that the renewal process was still pending despite repeated assurances from the state govt. The matter was earlier heard on May 14, when the petitioners stated that accredited journalists across Telangana were facing difficulties due to the non-renewal of cards.During Thursday’s hearing, the state counsel informed the court that the validity of media accreditation cards would be extended till June 16, 2026, and that extension orders would be issued soon. The counsel further said that a list of journalists requiring extension had been sought from the petitioners. The court observed that the issue concerned the entire journalist fraternity, not only the petitioners, and said it was not appropriate to seek a list only from them.The court also noted an earlier undertaking before the division bench that the extension would be completed by May 31, 2026, later extended to June 16, 2026, and directed the authorities to extend the cards strictly in accordance with the undertaking and its directions. The matter was adjourned to June 16 for further hearing.