From correspondents in Andhra Pradesh, India, 04:04 PM IST

The Andhra Pradesh High Court Wednesday struck down a state government order closing all colleges and universities in Hyderabad and nine other districts of Telangana region till Dec 18.

A single judge bench also ordered the reopening of hostels and said water and electricity supply must be restored.

Some students of Osmania University had approached the court challenging the 15-day holiday and closure of hostels.

The judge advised the government to identify and arrest any 'anti-social elements' if they have entered the hostels. The court also observed that police should not interfere in any peaceful programme by the students.

The order came hours after the police crackdown on Osmania University here to quell the protests for a separate Telangana state. Several students and teachers who were on hunger strike were arrested. Students were also forcibly evicted from all the hostels.

The government has filed an appeal challenging the single judge bench order before a division bench.

As the word about the high court order spread, students tried to enter Osmania University campus but were prevented by police personnel who said they were yet to receive court orders.

Students on hunger strike at Kakatiya University in Warangal welcomed the court order.

With students taking the Telangana movement in their hands, the government Dec 3 issued an order declaring a 15-day holiday for all colleges in Telangana.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)