Telangana HC summons HYDRAA Chief AV Ranganath to appear on Nov 27 over Bathukammakunta lake violations
Under the Contempt of Courts Rules, issuance of Form I mandates the contemnor’s personal appearance to explain why they should not be punished under the Contempt of Courts Act.
By - Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has issued a contempt notice to HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, directing him to appear in person before the court on November 27 for alleged non-compliance with its orders related to Bathukammakunta lake restoration at Bagh Amberpet.
Bench questions compliance with court directions
A division bench comprising Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Gadi Praveen Kumar took serious note of photographs placed before the court that indicated major alterations at the Bathukammakunta site despite standing directions.
“Although the standard operating procedure allows exemption from personal appearance, given the state of affairs visible in the photographs, we deem it fit to issue Form I to the alleged contemnor,” the judges observed.
Under the Contempt of Courts Rules, issuance of Form I mandates the contemnor’s personal appearance to explain why they should not be punished under the Contempt of Courts Act.
Petitioner alleges unauthorized alterations
The contempt proceedings were initiated on a petition filed by A. Sudhakar Reddy, a businessman who claims ownership of the land. He alleged that the property had been converted into a lake and that HYDRAA had “substantially altered and modified” the site in violation of the High Court’s earlier directives.
Earlier this year, the same bench had permitted HYDRAA to carry out limited pre-monsoon works to prevent flooding in adjoining colonies, while explicitly directing the agency not to disturb or encroach upon the disputed land.
Photographic evidence points to site changes
The court observed that the photographs presented by the petitioner showed significant changes between June and October 2025, contradicting assurances of non-interference.
“The inauguration plaque dated October 5 clearly mentions HYDRAA as the developer of Bathukammakunta lake and notes that the project was designed and executed by private agencies,” the bench remarked, suggesting that the agency may have exceeded its brief.
Government Counsel seeks time for Response
The special government pleader representing HYDRAA submitted that Ranganath had adequate material to counter the allegations and sought time to file a detailed affidavit.
However, the court, adhering to procedural norms, directed to issue Form I and adjourned the matter to November 27, when Ranganath is expected to appear in person before the bench.
