How did you get Ghose Commission report? Telangana HC asks ex-CS Shailendra Kumar
The Bench directed Joshi to file an affidavit detailing the exact source of the report
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has asked former Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar Joshi to reveal how he obtained a copy of the P.C. Ghose Commission report while challenging its findings.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin issued the direction on Wednesday, insisting that even an aggrieved party must follow proper procedure to access such documents.
Bench flags access irregularity
The court reminded that on August 22, while hearing writs filed by K. Chandrashekar Rao and T. Harish Rao, it had ordered the state government to remove the report from official platforms if uploaded.
“Explain from where you got this report by way of an affidavit,” the Chief Justice said, pointing out that the legality of access is key before examining the merits of the plea.
Petitioner challenges findings
Joshi, who served as Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary for Irrigation during the BRS regime, has sought suspension of the report dated July 31, 2025, and the summary PowerPoint presentation of August 4, 2025. His writ petition also asks for a stay on all adverse findings and further proceedings against him.
Alleged procedural violations
Senior Counsel Avinash Desai, representing Joshi, argued that the commission issued a summons under Section 5 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act but concluded wrongdoing without giving his client a fair hearing.
The Bench noted conflicting statements on how the report reached the petitioner—claims included: availability from August 30, circulation by the government, upload on the internet, tabling in the Assembly, and receipt from a legislator.
State’s Stand
The Government Pleader informed the Bench that the P.C. Ghose Commission Report has not been uploaded on the government website, countering the petitioner’s claims of public availability.
Adjourned for Affidavit
The Bench directed Joshi to file an affidavit detailing the exact source of the report. Further hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2025.
