Has the Telangana HC Postponed the Kaleshwaram Commission Hearing to January?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Telangana High Court has postponed the hearing for the petitions regarding the Kaleshwaram Commission case to January. This decision comes after requests from the state government for more time to respond. The commission's findings have faced significant criticism from prominent figures involved, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.
Key Takeaways
- The Telangana HC has postponed the Kaleshwaram Commission hearing to January.
- Key political figures are petitioners seeking to annul the Commission's report.
- The interim order still prevents the government from taking action against them.
- The Commission's findings have raised serious questions about governance.
- Public interest in transparency and accountability remains high.
Hyderabad, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Telangana High Court has decided to postpone the proceedings regarding the petitions filed by former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, ex-Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, former Chief Secretary S. K. Joshi, and senior IAS officer Smitha Sabharwal. They are seeking to annul the report from the Justice P.C. Ghose (retd) Commission, which investigated the alleged mismanagement in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin has rescheduled the hearing for the second week of January, following a request from the state government for additional time to submit counter-affidavits.
The court has provided a four-week timeline for the government to file its counter-affidavits, with an additional three weeks for the petitioners to respond.
Furthermore, the interim order that prevents the state government from initiating any actions against the petitioners based on the Kaleshwaram Commission report will remain in effect until the next hearing. This interim order was initially enacted on September 2.
The state government resolved on September 1 to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy made this announcement in the Assembly following an extensive debate on the Ghose Commission report.
The petitioners argue that the formation of the Commission itself should be deemed arbitrary and unlawful, as it contravenes the Commissions of Inquiry Act.
They assert that the Commission reached conclusions regarding their conduct and character without adhering to the legal requirements stated in sections 8B and 8C of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, thereby breaching the principles of natural justice.
The petitioners contend that the Commission’s findings are invalid, biased, scandalous, and defamatory towards them.
Led by former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose, the one-man commission submitted its report to the Telangana government on July 31.
Constituted on March 14, 2024, the Commission was tasked with investigating the alleged discrepancies in the planning, design, construction, quality control, operation, and maintenance of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla Barrages of the Kaleshwaram project, which was developed during the previous BRS government.
The Commission has held KCR directly and indirectly accountable for the irregularities in planning, execution, completion, operation, and maintenance of the Kaleshwaram project, and has also implicated Harish Rao, then Chief Secretary Joshi, and then Secretary to Chief Minister Smitha Sabharwal.
Point of View
We observe the Telangana HC's adjournment as a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The legal proceedings are crucial in determining accountability among high-ranking officials. The public's demand for transparency and justice should remain a priority as these developments unfold.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kaleshwaram Commission?
The Kaleshwaram Commission was established to investigate alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, focusing on planning, construction, and operational aspects.
Who are the key petitioners in this case?
The key petitioners include former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, former Chief Secretary S. K. Joshi, and IAS officer Smitha Sabharwal.
Why did the Telangana High Court adjourn the hearing?
The hearing was adjourned to January to allow the state government time to file counter-affidavits.
What is the significance of this case?
This case is significant as it addresses accountability among top officials and the integrity of the governance process in Telangana.
What are the allegations against the petitioners?
The petitioners are accused of mismanagement and irregularities related to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, as highlighted in the Commission's report.
