Telangana HC issues notices to two senior IAS officers over contempt notice

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday issued notices to two senior IAS officers in a contempt case alleging non-compliance with court directions relating to an RTI matter.

The notices were issued to K Ilambarithi, former Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and current Commissioner, Transport Department; and RV Karnan, current GHMC Commissioner.

What is the case about?

Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka, dealing with the contempt case, was hearing a petition filed by Vaddam Shyam, a resident of Ramgopalpet, Secunderabad.

The petitioner complained that despite clear directions of the High Court, the GHMC failed to furnish information sought by him under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Earlier, while disposing of the writ petition filed by the petitioner, the court had directed the Commissioner-cum-First Appellate Authority, GHMC, to process and dispose of his RTI application strictly in accordance with the RTI Act within four weeks of receiving the court order.

However, the petitioner alleged that the order passed on November 24 was not complied with by the then GHMC Commissioner, prompting him to initiate contempt proceedings.

Taking a serious view of the alleged violation, Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka issued notices to both IAS officers, asking them to explain why action should not be taken against them under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, for failure to implement the court’s directions dated November 29.

Court summons both officers

The court directed the officers to file their counter-affidavits by January 9, 2026, cautioning that failure to do so would result in their affidavits not being accepted and imposition of costs of Rs 10,000 payable to the Registrar (Judicial).

Additionally, the court directed both officials to appear before it, either in person or through counsel, on January 9, 2026, the next date of hearing.