Is the Kaleshwaram Case Bringing Temporary Relief to IAS Officer Smita Sabharwal?
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Synopsis
The Telangana High Court has granted a temporary reprieve to IAS officer Smita Sabharwal amid allegations of irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. This ruling prevents the Telangana government from acting on the Justice PC Ghose Commission's findings, raising significant questions about the ongoing investigation and its implications for involved parties.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana High Court has intervened to protect IAS officer Smita Sabharwal.
- Interim order prevents government action based on Commission's findings.
- Sabharwal challenges the Commission's report as arbitrary and unjust.
- The case highlights the importance of due process and justice.
- Significant implications for the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and its stakeholders.
Hyderabad, Sep 25 (NationPress) In a significant relief for senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, the Telangana High Court has intervened, instructing the Telangana government to refrain from taking action against her based on findings from the Justice PC Ghose Commission regarding alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project.
The High Court issued an interim order on her petition, which sought to invalidate the Commission's findings.
Smita Sabharwal, who previously held the position of Special Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office during the BRS administration, is among the officials facing adverse remarks from the Commission.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh issued the interim order while deciding to hear her petition together with similar cases pending before the court.
Prior to this, the High Court had granted interim protection to former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, and former Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi, preventing the government from acting on the same Commission report.
Sabharwal argued that the Commission made serious and adverse remarks against her without adhering to the necessary procedures outlined in Sections 8-B and 8-C of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, which mandate prior notice and the opportunity to be heard.
The 2001-batch IAS officer asserted that she was not involved in the decision-making process related to the construction of the three barrages and had no role in granting approvals.
The Commission's report, submitted to the State government on July 31, claimed that Sabharwal played a pivotal role in the barrages' construction, citing her site visits, field inspections, and feedback to then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), as well as her involvement in granting necessary administrative permissions.
Additionally, the report recommended action against her for purportedly breaching business rules by failing to present critical files to the Cabinet.
The report highlighted alleged irregularities related to the sanctioning of works for the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, projects initiated under the previous Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) government.
However, Sabharwal characterized the findings as arbitrary, prejudicial, and violative of natural justice, urging the Court to dismiss the report concerning her.
In April, Sabharwal was reassigned as Member Secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission. Previously, she served as Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture (YAT&C) and as Director of Archaeology. This transfer followed her reposting an AI-generated Ghibli image on social media related to tree cutting on a 400-acre plot near Hyderabad Central University.
Subsequently, she was summoned by the Cyberabad Police for sharing the post, questioning whether similar actions were taken against the 2,000 individuals who had shared the same post.
Point of View
It is imperative to focus on the principles of justice and fairness in cases involving public servants like Smita Sabharwal. The Telangana High Court's decision underscores the importance of due process in investigations, ensuring that all individuals are afforded their rights before any punitive measures are taken. This case serves as a reminder that accountability must be balanced with the fundamental tenets of justice.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project?
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is a major irrigation initiative in Telangana, aimed at providing water for agricultural activities and addressing water scarcity in the region.
Who is Smita Sabharwal?
Smita Sabharwal is a senior IAS officer who has held various significant positions within the Telangana government, including serving as the Special Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office.
What are the allegations against Smita Sabharwal?
The allegations against Smita Sabharwal involve irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, as indicated by the Justice PC Ghose Commission's report.
What did the Telangana High Court rule?
The Telangana High Court ruled that the government cannot take action against Smita Sabharwal based on the Commission's findings until her petition is heard.
What is the significance of the interim order?
The interim order is significant as it protects Smita Sabharwal and other officials from immediate repercussions while the court reviews the case and related petitions.
