Petition challenges appointment of Shivadhar Reddy as Telangana’s State Security Adviser

A petition has been filed in the Telangana High Court challenging the appointment of retired IPS officer B. Shivadhar Reddy as State Security Adviser, arguing that the move is arbitrary, lacks statutory backing, and equates the post with the Chief Secretary without legal basis.

By Our Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: A petition has been filed before the Telangana High Court challenging the appointment of retired IPS officer B. Shivadhar Reddy as State Security Adviser (SSA), contending that the move is illegal and contrary to established norms.

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The petition, moved by advocate Dhangopal Rao, seeks suspension of G.O. Ms. No. 559, issued on April 29, 2026, a day prior to Mr. Reddy’s retirement as Director General of Police. The petitioner has questioned the legality of issuing such an order on the eve of retirement and contended that the appointment lacks statutory backing.

It has been argued that the conferment of status and rank equivalent to that of the Chief Secretary upon the SSA is arbitrary and without legal basis. The petitioner has further contended that the post of State Security Adviser is, at best, a protocol-driven or advisory position, and cannot be equated with a constitutionally or statutorily recognised office carrying such parity.

Seeking interim relief, the petitioner has urged the Court to stay the operation of the impugned Government Order and pass appropriate directions in the interests of justice. The matter is expected to be taken up for hearing shortly.

It may be recalled that the petitioner had earlier approached the Court challenging the appointment of Mr. Reddy as Director General of Police as well.