Why Did the Telangana HC Postpone the Kaleshwaram Commission Hearing?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Telangana High Court has postponed the hearing on the petitions from KCR and others regarding alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. With the CBI probe now in play, tensions rise as the court weighs the future of the controversial commission's findings.
Key Takeaways
- The Telangana High Court has postponed the Kaleshwaram Commission hearing until November 12.
- A petition has been filed by former officials to quash the commission's report.
- The interim order restrains the government from taking action against the petitioners.
- The CBI is now involved in investigating alleged irregularities in the project.
- The one-man commission was led by former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose.
Hyderabad, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Telangana High Court on Tuesday postponed the hearing regarding the petitions from former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, former Chief Secretary S. K. Joshi, and senior IAS officer Smitha Sabharwal. They are requesting the court to annul the report from the P. C. Ghose Commission, which investigated alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin adjourned the hearing until November 12, following a request from the state government for additional time to submit counter-affidavits.
The court instructed the petitioners to respond after the government files its counter-affidavits.
Furthermore, the interim order that prevents the state government from taking any action against the petitioners has been extended until November 12. This order was initially issued on September 2.
On September 1, the state government decided 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.
KCR and Harish Rao, who filed their petitions in August, urged for a swift hearing in light of the government's action.
Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy informed the bench that the government mandated the CBI inquiry based on findings from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). He clarified that there is no connection between the Ghose Commission and the CBI report.
The High Court previously postponed the hearing for five weeks, directing the Chief Secretary and the Secretary for Irrigation and Command Area Development to provide detailed counter-affidavits addressing the issues raised by the petitioners within four weeks. The petitioners were allotted one week to reply thereafter.
The petitioners argue that the establishment of the Commission was arbitrary and illegal under the Commission of Inquiry Act.
They claim the Commission reached conclusions regarding their conduct and reputations without adhering to legal standards under sections 8B and 8C of the Inquiry Act, thereby violating principles of natural justice.
The petitioners assert that the Commission's report is invalid, biased, defamatory, and damaging to their reputations.
Led by former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose, the one-man commission submitted its report to the Telangana government on July 31.
The Commission was formed on March 14, 2024, to investigate alleged irregularities in the planning, design, construction, quality control, operation, and maintenance of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla Barrages of the Kaleshwaram project, all developed during the previous BRS government’s tenure.
The Commission found KCR accountable for irregularities in the planning, execution, completion, operation, and maintenance of the Kaleshwaram project. It also implicated Harish Rao, Chief Secretary Joshi, and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Smitha Sabharwal.
Point of View
We remain committed to delivering unbiased and factual reporting. The postponement of the Kaleshwaram Commission hearing highlights the complexities of governance and accountability in Telangana. It is crucial for the judicial process to unfold transparently, ensuring the principles of justice are upheld for all involved.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kaleshwaram Commission case about?
The Kaleshwaram Commission case investigates alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, involving high-profile political figures.
Why did the Telangana High Court adjourn the hearing?
The court adjourned the hearing to allow the state government more time to file counter-affidavits regarding the petitions.
What does the interim order entail?
The interim order prevents the state government from taking any action against the petitioners until the next hearing on November 12.
Who is leading the investigation into the Kaleshwaram project?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with the investigation based on the findings from the National Dam Safety Authority.
