Telangana High Court hears Kaleshwaram commission pleas

The Telangana High Court continued hearing petitions challenging the Justice PC Ghose Commission report on alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. State defended the inquiry, asserting that principles of natural justice were followed

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin of the Telangana High Court on Monday continued hearing a batch of writ petitions challenging the report submitted by the Justice PC Ghose Commission on alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State government, advanced arguments defending the validity of the Commission’s proceedings and findings, contending that the principles of natural justice were fully complied with during the inquiry. The State submitted that former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao had actively participated in the proceedings before the Commission and had fully utilised the opportunity provided to him.

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Refuting the allegation that adequate opportunity was denied, Singhvi argued that Harish Rao never raised any grievance during the inquiry regarding lack of opportunity or denial of cross-examination.

According to the State, the present objections were raised only after completion of the inquiry and submission of the report. It was argued that the petitioners had misunderstood the functioning of a Commission of Inquiry and were challenging the report based on a “non-existent grievance.”

The State further contended that key decisions relating to the construction of major barrages such as Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla were taken during the previous government without adequately considering expert opinions. The inquiry, it was submitted, was conducted voluntarily and without coercion, solely to ascertain facts surrounding the project.

Singhvi told the Court that there was no political motive behind constitution of the Commission and emphasised that the State had, in fact, referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure transparency rather than entrusting it to State agencies. Placing reliance on technical assessments, the State submitted that the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) had raised serious concerns regarding the construction of the barrages and identified significant structural deficiencies. It was further argued that recommendations of bodies such as the Central Water Commission, High Power Committee and Expert Committees were allegedly overlooked while executing the project.

The State also referred to findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), stating that the project cost had escalated substantially, and alleged irregular movement of files between the Irrigation Department and the Chief Minister’s Office was noted in the Commission’s report.

Highlighting the financial implications, Singhvi submitted that the present government is paying nearly Rs. 6,500 crore annually as interest on loans raised for the project, questioning whether the government does not have the right to ascertain what had transpired.

After hearing the submissions, the Bench adjourned the matter to Tuesday for continuation of arguments on behalf of the State government.