Published Nov 04, 2026 | 4:10 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 04, 2026 | 4:10 PM
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, IPS. (AVRanganath/X)
The Telangana High Court has extended interim protection to HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, while refusing to entertain a fresh survey of the disputed land at Lothkunta.
On Tuesday, 3 November, the bench of Justices Moushumi Bhattacharya and Renuka Yara heard two contempt appeal filed by Ranganathan, against a common order passed in July, which asked that him to be relieved as HYDRAA chief.
The bench said the appeals were limited to that direction. It added that it was unwilling to examine a proposed survey of the property, and noted that the company had successfully claimed title and possession over it.
It continued the interim suspension of the direction to relieve Ranganath till further orders, and listed the matters for 20 January 2027.
It also vacated two parts of an interim order passed by another division bench on 1 September: the order barring Ranganath from disturbing the company’s possession of the 40-acre property in Lothkunta, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, claimed by Shantha Sriram Constructions Private Limited, and the direction to the company to preserve status quo.
Senior counsel Rajeev Shakdar, representing Ranganath, argued that the identity of the property claimed by the firm was in dispute.
Counsel for the firm countered that it had established its title and possession in a case instituted by the state government.
The Supreme Court rejected the state’s special leave petition in September, the counsel said.
Also Read: ‘Not invincible’: Inside the Telangana High Court’s blistering order against HYDRAA
The company alleges that on 17 July HYDRAA staff walked onto its land, removed fencing and damaged containers, chairs and tables at its office, in defiance of explicit court orders. It moved contempt cases against Ranganath and his staff. HYDRAA, however, contends that the land is government property, which, according to the agency, justified its action.
On 27 July, Justice Jukanti Anil Kumar, hearing the contempt cases, directed the state to remove Ranganath from the post, citing repeated violations of court orders. The judge had noted that 63 contempt cases were pending against the Commissioner. Ranganath challenged the direction, and a division bench suspended it on 1 September.
Ranganath had alleged that the firm tried to encroach land worth nearly ₹10,000 crore, destroying hundreds of trees and blasting heritage rock formations without permission.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreshta Ladegaam)
