On January 18, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud agreed to hear the petition filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh challenging the High Court order staying the Government Order restricting public meetings on the roadside tomorrow. The stay will expire on Monday, according to Advocate Amit Pai, who is representing the respondent on caveat. The dispute centres on GO No.1 issued by the State Government to restrict public gatherings after 11 people were killed in two stampedes during events addressed by TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

A High Court Division Bench comprised of Justices Battu Devanand and V.R.K Krupa Sagar stayed the G.O.'s implementation until January 23. In order to challenge the High Court order, the State filed a Special Leave Petition with the Supreme Court, arguing that a regulatory measure was required to prevent deaths in stampede-like events. The State denied that there was a blanket ban, claiming that the GO simply advised police to refrain from granting permission for public assemblies on public roads and road margins unless there were exceptional circumstances.