Telangana HC stays action on PC Ghose Commission report on Kaleshwaram project

The Telangana High Court restrained the State government from acting on the Ghose Commission report on alleged Kaleshwaram irregularities, citing procedural lapses. However, it upheld the legality of the Commission’s formation, granting relief to KCR, Harish Rao and others.

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday granted relief to BRS president and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and former Minister T Harish Rao by restraining the government from taking any action based on the report of the Justice PC Ghose Commission, which probed alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin held that the Commission did not adhere to established procedures and norms while conducting its inquiry. Accordingly, the court directed that no action be initiated based on its findings.

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At the same time, the bench clarified that the State government’s decision to constitute the Commission through G.O. No. 6, issued on March 14, 2024, was legally valid.

The verdict came on petitions filed by Chandrashekhar Rao, Harish Rao, IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, and former Chief Secretary SK Joshi, who challenged the constitution and functioning of the Commission. The panel was tasked with examining alleged irregularities in the construction and maintenance of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

The petitioners argued that the Commission violated procedural safeguards and failed to adequately consider their submissions before making adverse observations. They contended that the inquiry process had the potential to damage their reputation.

However, the State government defended the Commission, stating it was constituted in public interest and that due process was followed, including issuance of notices and hearings. After extensive hearings, the High Court delivered its final verdict, effectively putting the Commission’s report on hold.