Telangana HC defers Kaleshwaram project verdict to April 22

The Telangana High Court has postponed its judgment on a batch of writ petitions challenging the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The petitions, filed by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and other senior officials, contest the Commission’s findings on alleged irregularities and financial lapses.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday adjourned the pronouncement of judgment to April 22, 2026 in a batch of writ petitions, including the one filed by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, challenging the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

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The batch of cases pertains to challenges mounted by K. Chandrashekhar Rao, former Minister T. Harish Rao, former Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi, and senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, questioning the legality, findings, and recommendations of the Commission, which examined alleged irregularities, procedural lapses, and financial aspects in the execution of the multi-crore irrigation project.

The petitioners have contended that the Commission’s report is legally unsustainable and cannot form the basis for any adverse or coercive action.
After hearing detailed submissions from both sides over multiple hearings, the Bench had reserved its order.

On Wednesday, while initially indicating pronouncement of judgment, the Court deferred the same and posted the matter to April 22, 2026 for delivery of the verdict.