Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court directed the State government to remove HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath from his post after expressing serious concern over repeated alleged violations of its orders and the pendency of 63 contempt petitions against him.
The court observed that every citizen has the right to approach the courts. Further, it said a senior official could not repeatedly disregard judicial directions. It criticised HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath for allegedly violating court orders on multiple occasions.
The observations came during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by Shantha Sriram Constructions Private Limited. The company alleged that HYDRAA violated earlier High Court orders relating to land at Lothukunta in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath faces court action
The petitioner claimed that HYDRAA personnel removed fencing from the disputed land despite specific directions issued by the High Court. Accordingly, the court observed that repeated violations of its orders in the same matter amounted to a serious offence. It also directed Ranganath to appear before the court.
Meanwhile, Advocate General, appearing for the State government, informed the court that a detailed affidavit would be filed. In the affidavit, Ranganath tendered an unconditional apology and reaffirmed his faith in the judiciary.
However, Ranganath stated that HYDRAA had not entered the 40-acre land in Survey Nos. 1 and 2 at Lothukunta. Thereafter, the High Court questioned the State’s counsel over the pendency of 63 contempt petitions against HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath.
The court subsequently directed the Telangana government to remove HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath from the post and appoint another officer in his place.