ORR lease: HMDA refuses to withdraw defamation notice against Revanth

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has confirmed that there is no question of withdrawing the legal notice issued on May 25 against the TPCC president and Member of Parliament A Revanth Reddy.

In a detailed note sent by the government information department, HMDA stated that the organisation strongly objects to the manner in which particular officers are being named by the MP. The note stated that the HMDA works are under the guidance and directions of the council of ministers and state government.

A war of words

On Tuesday, Revanth Reddy, along with his team of lawyers warned of civil and criminal action against IAS officer Arvind Kumar. In a detailed communication to the press, he said, “Withdraw the legal notices related to ORR lease or face legal action.”

The ORR tender lease is being raised by the Opposition time and again. This time too it was with regards to the defamation case filed by the HMDA against the MP.

‘Bid process is transparent'

In a reply to the MP, the HMDA has once again stated that the bid process is transparent. The issue raised by Revanth Reddy was on the 30-year lease, and in the note, HMDA has clarified that the 30 years is in accordance decision of the council of ministers.

“It is further clarified that the two bids of NHAI (National Highways of India) were finalised earlier for 30 years. This is not the first time, it has been done,” stated the note.

‘RTI reply given’

The HMDA stated that the RTI query filed by the MP was answered and submitted to him within the prescribed timeline and there is no question of withholding information from him.

Regarding the threat of legal action against the IAS officer, HMDA said that, “It can’t be intimidated or browbeaten in discharge of its official functions and will undertake all necessary actions for protecting itself and its officers. Any legal action as deemed appropriate and necessary will be taken.”