Telangana HC summons IAS officers Navin Mittal, Sandeep Jha on Mar 24 for contempt in land acquisition case

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has directed two senior IAS officers to appear before the bench on March 24 in a contempt case related to the non-implementation of its directions on land acquisition compensation.

The Court described the conduct of the officials as “leisurely” and lacking seriousness in complying with judicial orders.

Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, while hearing the matter on Tuesday, directed Navin Mittal and Sandeep Kumar Jha to be present before the Court on March 24, 2026.

Contempt case over unpaid compensation

The case relates to the non-payment of compensation for land belonging to a 74-year-old petitioner, Bommena Ramavva of Kodurupaka village in Boinpally mandal of Rajanna Sircilla.

Her land, measuring Ac.0.14 guntas, has reportedly remained submerged under the Mid Manair Reservoir Project since August 14, 2024. Although the land was acquired by the State in 2010, compensation has not yet been disbursed.

Earlier orders ignored

The petitioner had earlier approached the High Court through a writ petition seeking payment of compensation. A Single Judge had directed the authorities to pay the amount within three months from August 14, 2024. Alleging wilful disobedience of these orders, the petitioner subsequently filed a contempt case.

Officials held accountable

During the hearing, the Court noted that at the relevant time, Navin Mittal was serving as Revenue Secretary, while Sandeep Kumar Jha was the District Collector of Rajanna Sircilla, making them responsible for completing the acquisition process, passing the award, and releasing compensation.

The officials cited their transfer from the respective posts as a reason for non-compliance. The Court firmly rejected this argument, observing that responsibility cannot be avoided on the ground of transfer when the officers held charge during the period in question.

Court directions

The High Court directed its Registry to issue Form-I notices to both officers. It also declined to accept the submission of the Government Pleader for Land Acquisition, who sought 12 weeks to complete proceedings under the 2013 land acquisition law.

Instead, the Court ordered the concerned authorities to pass a general award within eight weeks, strictly following due legal procedure, and reiterated that the officers must appear in person on the next date of hearing.

The matter will be taken up next on March 24, 2026.