Evicted Typists Back To Work, Seek Shelter
Evicted typists back on pavement, request shelter
By : Saba Anjum Shaik
Update: 2025-08-04 16:29 GMT
Hyderabad: For nearly two decades, Uma Maheswari has made the daily journey from Kukatpally to the Secunderabad civil court, to sit outside the complex typing petitions, affidavits and legal drafts for litigants. A month ago, she and about 70 other typists, stamp vendors and notaries were evicted without notice. Their makeshift sheds were dismantled and the space was cleared of all traces of their presence. Now, they have returned to work — but with no shelter.
“We are not doing anything illegal. Our work is part of the legal system,” Uma said. “We haven’t caused any trouble to anyone. This is our only source of income. Our regular clients had to pay more elsewhere when we weren’t here. All we want is justice.” For decades, these typists have supported thousands of litigants, especially those from rural or underprivileged backgrounds, by preparing essential documents at low cost.
B. Krishna, a typist who has worked outside the court for 23 years, said the anxiety has not gone. “We don’t know when we’ll be removed again. We are sitting out in the open and the rain is here. We are not asking for much, just a small space where we can continue our work peacefully,” he said.
With the monsoon setting in, the lack of shelter has made their situation worse. When the sky turned grey on Sunday evening, many began packing up early, worried their documents and typewriters would get drenched. “Earlier, we had sheds. Now, when it gets cloudy, we start packing up because there’s no cover,” said Simon Peter, another senior typist. “It’s hard to work like this, but we don’t have a choice,” he lamented.
The group has formally applied for vendor licences and requested the authorities to either allot them a small rented space within the court premises or provide an alternative location where they can carry out their work without disruption.