High Court restrains action on Ghose Commission report in Kaleshwaram case

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court restrained the government from acting on the Ghose Commission report, granting relief to BRS chief and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and former minister T. Harish Rao.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G. M. Mohiuddin said the Commission failed to follow established procedures during its inquiry. As a result, the court directed authorities not to initiate action based on its findings.

Ghose Commission report set aside over procedural lapses

At the same time, the bench upheld the State government’s decision to constitute the Commission through G.O. No. 6 issued on March 14, 2024. It said the formation of the panel remained legally valid.

The verdict followed petitions filed by K. Chandrashekhar Rao, T. Harish Rao, IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, and former Chief Secretary SK Joshi. They challenged both the constitution and functioning of the Commission.

The panel examined alleged irregularities in the construction and maintenance of Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. Petitioners argued that the Commission violated procedural safeguards and failed to consider their submissions before making adverse remarks. They also said the inquiry risked damaging their reputation.

However, the State government defended the Commission. It maintained that authorities followed due process, including issuing notices and conducting hearings.

After hearing both sides, the High Court delivered its verdict, effectively putting the Ghose Commission report on hold.