Puttagunta Venkata Mohana Rao, vs State Of Andhra Pradesh on 9 July, 2018
7. It is pertinent to note that Standing Order No. 601-A
enumerates the specific circumstances under which a rowdy sheet
may be opened against an individual. A close reading of the
Standing Order indicates that mere involvement in multiple crimes
4
is not, by itself, sufficient. The foundational requirement is that the
individual must be involved in activities that adversely affect public
peace, tranquility, or the security of the community. Judicial
pronouncements of this Court, including Puttagunta Pulla Rao v.
State of A.P., 2004 (2) ALD 36, and Shaik Mahaboob Basha v.
State of A.P., 2015 SCC OnLine Hyd 166, consistently emphasize
that rowdy-sheeting is a serious invasion of personal liberty under
Article 21 of the Constitution, and therefore must be resorted to
strictly in accordance with the Standing Orders. Courts have
repeatedly held that indiscriminate opening of rowdy sheets
without assessment of threat to public order is unconstitutional and
liable to be quashed.