Telangana HC pulls up IAS officer over Mission Bhagiratha dues

The Telangana High Court expressed dissatisfaction with senior IAS officer Sandeep Kumar Sultania for failing to comply with its earlier orders regarding pending payments under the Mission Bhagiratha project. NCC Limited had filed a contempt petition seeking release of over Rs. 180 crore in certified bills.

By Our Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure over non-compliance with its earlier orders by senior IAS officer Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Principal Secretary, Finance Department, in a contempt case concerning pending payments under the Mission Bhagiratha project.

---

The contempt case was filed by the company over non-payment of long-pending dues for works executed under the Mission Bhagiratha project despite earlier court directions.

During the hearing Advocate General, A. Sudarshan Reddy appearing for the contemnor, submitted that the State would ensure payment of at least 30% of the outstanding amount on or before April 23, 2026, and would also place a schedule for clearing the balance dues before the Court.

Recording this undertaking, Justice T. Madhavi Devi dispensed with the personal appearance of Sultania for the present. However, the Court made it clear that if the amount is not paid within the stipulated time, he shall appear before the Court on the next date of hearing without seeking any exemption.

The matter has been posted to April 28, 2026, for reporting compliance.

The contempt case arises from a writ petition filed by NCC Limited seeking release of over Rs.180 crore towards certified bills for works executed under the Mission Bhagiratha project, for which payment tokens had already been issued.

Earlier, the High Court had directed the State to clear the admitted dues within two months along with interest at 6% per annum. Alleging non-compliance with these directions, the petitioner approached the Court by way of contempt proceedings.