The Telangana High Court on Tuesday (September 2) granted relief to petitioners linked to the controversial Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Kumar Sharma and Justice G. Manmadha Rao, made it clear that no adverse action would be taken against them for now, even as the broader investigation into alleged irregularities has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Background
The matter revolves around the Commission of Inquiry report on the Kaleshwaram Project, one of India’s largest irrigation ventures, which has faced scrutiny for cost escalations and technical failures. Senior advocates Aryama Sundaram and Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing the petitioners, strongly objected to any action based on the Commission’s findings. They argued that the report contained unverified claims that could unfairly damage reputations.
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On the other side, the State was represented by Advocate General A. Sudershan Reddy along with senior counsel S. Niranjan Reddy. They informed the court that while the Commission’s findings raised concerns, the State had already referred the matter to the CBI following dam safety reports by national authorities.
Court’s Observations
The bench listened carefully before passing interim directions. At one point, the Chief Justice noted, “The Advocate General has assured that, at present, no action will be initiated against the petitioners based on the Commission’s report.” The judges balanced the issue by acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations but also stressing that due process must be followed.
The court also recorded that the Union’s National Dam Safety Authority had flagged issues in the project, strengthening the case for an external probe. This was seen as a significant step, considering the project’s massive financial and environmental impact.
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Decision
In its interim order, the High Court granted two weeks’ time to the Advocate General to file a detailed reply. Importantly, the court directed that until the next hearing on October 7, 2025, no adverse action should be taken against the petitioners solely on the basis of the Commission’s report.
With this, the legal battle has entered a crucial pause. While the petitioners have some temporary relief, the larger issue remains alive with the CBI now expected to probe the alleged irregularities in the multi-crore Kaleshwaram project.
Case Title: W.P. Nos. 24835 & 24837 of 2025
Date of Order: 02 September 2025
