The Telangana High Court on Monday directed Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju to immediately relieve HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath from his post after finding him guilty of repeatedly violating court orders. The court rejected the IPS officer’s apology, stating it was submitted too late and did not justify repeated instances of contempt.
The case arose from a land dispute in Lothkunta, Secunderabad. Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti observed that Ranganath had failed to comply with judicial directions despite earlier warnings. The court noted that around 63 contempt cases are pending against the HYDRAA Commissioner and said allowing him to continue in office would put the “rule of law at peril.” It directed the state government to appoint a suitable replacement at the earliest.
The High Court also remarked that Ranganath had become “A law unto himself” and held that his actions amounted to wilful disobedience of court orders. The judge rejected his apology, citing Supreme Court observations that an apology offered only when punishment appears imminent cannot be treated as genuine.
Responding to the order, A.V. Ranganath defended HYDRAA’s work, saying the agency has acted strictly in accordance with the Constitution to protect government land, lakes and public assets. He claimed that during his two year tenure, HYDRAA safeguarded government properties worth nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore, restored six lakes, and is working on restoring another 20. He alleged that land mafias and encroachers were misleading the courts to obstruct HYDRAA’s anti encroachment drive.
Referring to the disputed Lothkunta land, Ranganath alleged that private parties were attempting to occupy government land worth around ₹10,000 crore and said HYDRAA intervened following complaints from environmental groups and local residents. He maintained that he would continue to fight to protect public assets.
