Telangana HC pulls up HYDRAA Commissioner over contempt in Suraram land dispute

Justice NV Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court cautioned HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath that continued disregard of court directions and a hurried approach in official functioning could adversely impact his professional career while hearing a contempt case arising out of a land dispute in Suraram.

The Court expressed dissatisfaction over the Commissioner’s failure to appear before it despite earlier directions. Observing that personal appearance was not the only mode of participation, the Court remarked that he could have at least joined the proceedings through video



conference.

The Court further noted that no affidavit had initially been filed explaining the alleged non-compliance of its earlier orders. The matter pertains to a contempt petition filed by a landowner alleging that HYDRAA officials had erected fencing and installed a board on disputed land situated in Suraram without issuing any prior notice and despite the dispute being pending adjudication before the Court.

Earlier, while hearing the writ petition, the High Court had expressed strong displeasure over the actions of the authorities and directed HYDRAA to remove the fencing and board within 48 hours.