HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has received relief from the Telangana High Court. The Court has put on hold an earlier order that directed the government to remove him from the post.
The case was heard by a Division Bench of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday. After hearing Ranganath’s appeal, the Bench suspended the earlier Single Judge order.
The case will be heard again on November 3, 2026.
Why was Ranganath asked to be removed?
- On July 27, a Single Judge of the High Court had directed the Telangana government to remove Ranganath as HYDRAA Commissioner and appoint another officer.
- The order was related to a land dispute in Lothukunta and contempt proceedings. The case involved allegations that HYDRAA officials had not followed earlier court directions.
- The Single Judge had also raised concerns about several contempt cases involving the HYDRAA Commissioner.
Ranganath approached the High Court
- Ranganath challenged the Single Judge’s order before a Division Bench.
- After hearing the matter, the Division Bench suspended the earlier removal order. This means Ranganath can continue as HYDRAA Commissioner for now, while the case is being considered.
What is the land dispute?
- The dispute is also connected to around 119 acres of government land in the Secunderabad Cantonment area.
- Government authorities have said the land is meant for public purposes, including hospitals and educational institutions. HYDRAA had taken steps to protect the land following a request from the Revenue authorities.
What happens next?
- The High Court has not given a final decision on the case yet.
- The matter will come up again on November 3, 2026. Until then, the earlier order asking the government to remove Ranganath remains suspended.
