Telangana High Court Rebukes HYDRAA Commissioner in Lake Contempt Case
The Telangana High Court, sitting in Hyderabad, on Friday voiced strong displeasure with HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath during a hearing on a contempt case related to Batukammakunta lake at Amberpet. The court's sharp remarks came in response to reports that Ranganath had participated in a kite festival and Sankranti celebrations at the lake, where he addressed the public on future plans for its upkeep.
Court's Stern Warning to Commissioner
In a pointed statement, the court said, "You (Ranganath) can play to the gallery, play to the public, but not where the court is concerned." This rebuke underscores the judiciary's expectation of strict adherence to its directives, especially in environmental and land dispute matters. The contempt case was originally filed against officials for allegedly violating court orders to maintain the status quo at the lake, a crucial issue in Hyderabad's urban landscape.
Petitioner's Allegations and Evidence
The petitioner, A Sudhakar Reddy, who claims ownership of seven acres of land where the lake is situated, informed the court that Ranganath not only took part in the celebrations but also spoke to the gathering. Reddy submitted a video clip of the speech on a pen drive, arguing that it demonstrated clear disregard for the court and amounted to a blatant violation of its orders. He urged the court to examine the speech to ensure a just conclusion in the contempt proceedings, highlighting concerns over judicial accountability in Telangana.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
After recording the submissions and accepting the pen drive as evidence, the court noted that Ranganath had previously appeared in person and tendered an unconditional apology. However, this did not mitigate the court's concerns over the alleged violations. The court has directed Ranganath to file a detailed counter by January 30 and has adjourned the matter for further hearing on February 6. This development adds to ongoing legal scrutiny in Hyderabad, where environmental protection and land rights are increasingly contentious issues.
The case reflects broader tensions between urban development and conservation efforts in Telangana, with the High Court playing a pivotal role in upholding judicial mandates. As the proceedings continue, stakeholders await further clarity on the lake's future and the enforcement of court orders in similar disputes across the state.
