The Supreme Court on Monday directed HYDRAA chief AV Ranganath to comply with the orders of the Telangana High Court within three weeks in a contempt of court case concerning Bathukammakunta lake at Amberpet.
Supreme Court Hearing
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma issued the directive while hearing a special leave petition filed by Ranganath challenging the High Court division bench's March 17 order. The Court ordered the petition to be listed after four weeks and stated: "Compliance report may be filed in the meantime. If any fencing has been erected and retention thereof is considered necessary, justification ought to be provided in such affidavit."
Arguments Presented
During the proceedings, Ranganath's counsel argued that removing the fence erected by HYDRAA around the lake, which is located in a densely populated area, could lead to accidents. However, the Supreme Court refused to intervene in the High Court's orders. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ranganath, requested three weeks to comply with the High Court's directions regarding the removal of fencing and other structures from the disputed site. The matter has now been posted to May 29 for further compliance and hearing.
High Court's Contempt Order
The Telangana High Court had earlier found Ranganath guilty of contempt of court and directed him and HYDRAA to remove all ownership markers, signages, and structures from the disputed land. This includes dismantling boards, gates, and walls that suggest HYDRAA holds any rights or control over the property. The High Court further emphasized that the land must not be portrayed as a public space managed by the agency, nor could entry be restricted based on HYDRAA's designated timings.
Compliance Deadline
The High Court had given HYDRAA a four-week deadline from March 23, 2026, to comply and file a report. These changes remain subject to the final outcome of the pending civil miscellaneous appeal over the ownership of the land.
