Smita Sabharwal moves HC against Ghose panel findings on Kaleshwaram Project

IAS officer Smita Sabharwal has approached the Telangana High Court seeking to quash the Justice PC Ghose Commission’s findings that implicated her in alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. She contends the Commission violated inquiry safeguards and made adverse remarks without giving her a chance to respond.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, who served as Special Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office during the BRS regime, has approached the Telangana High Court seeking to quash the findings of the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission on alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project.

---

In her petition, Sabharwal contended that the Commission made “serious and adverse remarks” against her without following the mandatory safeguards under Sections 8-B and 8-C of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, which require prior notice and an opportunity to be heard.

She asserted that she was not part of the decision-making process regarding the construction of the barrages and had no role in granting approvals.

The Commission, however, in its report, stated that Sabharwal had played a key role in the execution of the barrages, citing her visits to construction sites, field inspections, and feedback to the then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, and involvement in granting administrative permissions.

It went on to recommend action against her for allegedly violating business rules by not placing crucial files before the Cabinet. Calling these findings arbitrary, prejudicial, and violative of natural justice, Sabharwal urged the Court to strike down the report insofar as it concerned her.

The petition will soon be heard by a division bench led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh. The High Court has already granted interim protection to former CM K. Chandrashekhar Rao, former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, and former Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi, restraining the government from taking any action against them based on the same Commission report.

Sabharwal has sought similar relief, arguing that no coercive steps should be taken against her until her challenge is decided.