Why is Telangana HC Preventing Action Against KCR and Harish?
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Synopsis
In a notable ruling, the Telangana High Court has blocked the state government from taking any actions against former CM KCR and ex-irrigation minister Harish Rao regarding alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. This decision highlights the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding the high-profile irrigation initiative.
Key Takeaways
- The Telangana High Court has granted interim relief to KCR and Harish Rao.
- The court has barred any actions based on the Ghose Commission's report.
- The next hearing is set for October 7.
- The Ghose Commission investigated alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project.
- The state government plans to recommend a CBI probe into the case.
Hyderabad, Sep 2 (NationPress) - In a significant interim measure, the Telangana High Court has barred the state government from initiating any actions against former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former irrigation minister T. Harish Rao until further notice. This ruling stems from a case concerning purported irregularities linked to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, as detailed in the Ghose Commission's findings.
The court's directive came as it postponed the hearing to October 7.
Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin instructed the government not to proceed with any punitive measures against the petitioners, guided by the P.C. Ghose Commission report, which examined the alleged discrepancies in the project under the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) administration.
On Monday, the state government opted to suggest a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter, a decision announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during an extensive Assembly debate on the Ghose Commission report.
Both K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Harish Rao, who filed petitions last month seeking to annul the Ghose Commission's report, urged for expedited hearings in light of the government's recent decision.
Senior counsels Aryama Sundaram and Seshadri Naidu, representing Harish Rao and KCR respectively, requested the court to order the government to refrain from any coercive actions against their clients.
Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy informed the bench that the CBI investigation was initiated based on a report from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). He clarified that there is no connection between the Ghose Commission report and the CBI's investigation.
He also argued that the petitions filed by KCR and Harish Rao lacked legal standing.
After deliberating both perspectives, the Court upheld the prohibition against the government from acting on the Ghose Commission's report and postponed the hearing until October 7.
During the previous hearing on August 22, the state had assured the court that no actions would be taken against the petitioners before the Commission's report was presented and debated in the Assembly.
The High Court had previously postponed the hearing for five weeks, directing the Chief Secretary and the Irrigation and Command Area Development Secretary to submit comprehensive counter-affidavits addressing the points raised by the petitioners within four weeks. The petitioners would then have one week to respond.
The petitioners argued that the formation of the Commission was arbitrary and illegal, violating the Commission of Inquiry Act.
They contended that the Commission's findings regarding their conduct and reputation were made without adherence to the legal standards outlined in sections 8B and 8C of the Commission of Inquiry Act, infringing on principles of natural justice.
The petitioners maintained that the report was invalid, damaging, and defamatory.
Led by former Supreme Court Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, the Commission presented its findings to the Telangana government on July 31.
This Commission was established 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.
The Commission attributed direct and vicarious responsibility for irregularities in the project to KCR and also implicated Harish Rao.
Point of View
The High Court's ruling serves as a pivotal moment. It reflects the judiciary's role in maintaining checks and balances while navigating complex allegations of corruption. As the legal proceedings advance, it is essential for all parties to uphold transparency and integrity, ensuring justice prevails in the Kaleshwaram case. NationPress remains committed to providing unbiased coverage of this critical issue.
NationPress
02/09/2025
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 a reliable water supply for agriculture and other purposes.
What did the Ghose Commission report reveal?
The Ghose Commission report indicated alleged irregularities in the planning, construction, and management of the Kaleshwaram project.
What was the court's decision regarding KCR and Harish Rao?
The Telangana High Court has prohibited the state government from taking any action against KCR and Harish Rao based on the Ghose Commission's report until further orders.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for October 7.
What are the implications of this ruling?
This ruling could have significant implications for the ongoing investigation and political dynamics within Telangana.
