`Do not take court lightly’: Telangana HC slams HYDRAA boss Ranganath for skipping appearance in Bathukamma Kunta case

Hyderabad: Coming down heavily on the conduct of HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath for skipping a scheduled court appearance, the Telangana High Court on Thursday warned that a non-bailable warrant would be issued if he fails to appear in person on December 5 in a contempt case linked to the Bathukamma Kunta lake works at Amberpet.

The court also cautioned that it was fully empowered to make the officer stand in the courtroom for the entire day for showing disregard for judicial directions.

Strong words from the Bench

The stern observations were made by a Division Bench of Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice B.R. Madhusudhan Rao while hearing an interlocutory application filed in the pending contempt proceedings.

Expressing displeasure over the officer’s repeated absence, the bench stressed that court orders must be treated with the highest respect.

Contempt case over lake works

The contempt petition was filed by A. Sudhakar Reddy, who has claimed ownership over the disputed land at Bathukamma Kunta. The petitioner alleged that despite explicit court instructions, the authorities continued with lake development works at the site.

Following these allegations, the court had earlier directed Ranganath to appear in person and explain the alleged violation.

Flood duty cited for exemption

Seeking an exemption from appearance, Ranganath informed the court that he was engaged in addressing flooding issues at Bachupally Lake. However, the court took serious exception to his absence and ruled that administrative engagements cannot override judicial summons, particularly in contempt matters.

`Do not take the Court lightly

When Special Government Counsel Swaroop Oorilla submitted that the officer did not wish to “trouble” the court with his presence, the bench made sharp observations.

“We appreciate the sentiment. But if required, this court can make the officer stand here from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.,” the judges remarked, underlining the seriousness of the issue.

Court questions officer’s presumption

The bench questioned how the officer could presume that his personal appearance would be dispensed with on every hearing date and described such an approach as “unwarranted.”

Matter posted to December 5

The court directed A.V. Ranganath to appear without fail on December 5 and posted the matter for further hearing, making it clear that any further non-compliance would invite stringent action.