Hyderabad High Court Takes Stern Stand Against HYDRA Chief
The Telangana High Court issued a strong warning to HYDRA chief AV Ranganath on Thursday, indicating that it would issue a non-bailable warrant against him if he fails to appear before the court on December 9 in an ongoing contempt case. The court's stern message came during hearing of a case related to Bathukammakunta lake at Amberpet.
Court's Strong Observations and Warning
A division bench comprising Justices Moushumi Bhattacharya and BR Madhusudhan Rao made it clear that they would not tolerate any further absence from the officer. The bench observed that if necessary, they could "make the officer stand in court all day long" for not complying with court orders. The hearing specifically addressed an interlocutory application filed in the contempt case concerning the Bathukammakunta lake.
The original petition was filed by A Sudhakar Reddy, who claims ownership of the land in question. The court had previously ordered Ranganath to appear before it for allegedly violating court orders and proceeding with lake works at Bathukammakunta. Despite the clear directive, the HYDRA chief had sought exemption from personal appearance.
Officer's Absence and Court's Response
Ranganath had moved a petition seeking dispensation from appearing before the court, citing the flooding of a lake at Bachupally as justification for his absence. However, the court took serious note of the officer's failure to appear and directed him to show due respect to court proceedings and directions.
When the state counsel informed the court that the officer did not wish to "trouble" the court with his appearance, the bench responded with sharp observations. While appreciating the officer's concern, the judges clearly stated that the court could make the officer stand in court from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm if necessary.
The bench questioned special government counsel Swaroop Oorilla about Ranganath's conduct, describing it as unwarranted. The court specifically asked how the officer could assume that the court would dispense with his appearance on all hearing days without proper justification.
Case Background and Next Steps
The contempt case stems from alleged violations of court orders regarding development works at Bathukammakunta lake. The court has been monitoring the situation closely, and Ranganath's repeated absence has drawn judicial ire.
The matter has now been adjourned to December 5 for Ranganath's personal appearance and further hearing. The court's warning about the non-bailable warrant indicates that it will not tolerate any further delays or absence from the HYDRA chief in this important environmental case.
This development highlights the increasing strictness of the Telangana judiciary in ensuring compliance with its orders, particularly in matters involving environmental protection and public interest litigation.
