Telangana High Court Refuses to Dismiss Contempt Case Against Finance Secretary
The Telangana High Court has declined to close a contempt case against Finance Secretary Sandeep Sultania, citing alleged delays in compensating individuals displaced by the Mallannasagar and other reservoirs under the Kaleshwaram project. On Wednesday, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the official's absence despite clear directives to appear, highlighting ongoing issues in the payment process.
Court Questions Delay in Compensation and Interest Payments
Justice Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy directed the state government to provide a detailed explanation for the delay in paying interest on compensation and allocating house sites to the affected persons. The matter has been adjourned to April 17 for further hearing. Out of 79 petitioners who initially approached the court, only 45 have received compensation, while 34 have passed away without any relief, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Background of the Legal Battle
The petitioners, hailing from Vemulaghat and Etigadda Kistapur villages, filed a petition in the high court in 2019. They sought compensation of Rs 12.54 lakh per person and a 250 square yard house site each, arguing for recognition as separate beneficiaries rather than being grouped with families. In 2023, the high court ruled in their favor, ordering the state to extend rehabilitation and reconstruction benefits to them as single individuals.
Contempt Proceedings and Unfulfilled Assurances
Due to non-implementation of the court's orders, the petitioners filed a contempt petition in July 2025. The court had previously recorded an assurance from authorities that payments would be made within six weeks, leading to the closure of the contempt case. However, as compensation was not disbursed within that timeframe, the court reopened proceedings in March this year.
Recent Developments and Pending Issues
On April 2, the court directed Sandeep Sultania to appear personally on April 15. Although compensation amounts were released on April 14, just a day before the hearing, petitioners' counsel pointed out that interest accruing from 2019 and the allocation of house sites remain unresolved. Consequently, the court has kept the case pending, emphasizing the need for full compliance with its directives.
Key Points:
- The contempt case involves delays in compensation for persons displaced by the Kaleshwaram project reservoirs.
- Justice Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy has demanded explanations for unpaid interest and house site allocations.
- Of 79 petitioners, 45 received compensation, but 34 died without relief, highlighting systemic failures.
- The court reopened proceedings after assurances of payment within six weeks were not met.
- Compensation was released on April 14, but interest and house site issues persist, keeping the case active.
