HC suspends single judge order to replace HYDRAA Commissioner in contempt case

A bench of the Telangana High Court has suspended the single judge's order to remove IPS officer A.V. Ranganath from his position as HYDRAA Commissioner in a contempt of court case. The suspension is set to last until November 3, when the court will reassess the matter. The court has also directed both the HYDRAA Commissioner (contemnor) and M/s Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited to maintain the status quo over a 40-acre property in Lothkunta village, Malkajgiri, Hyderabad.

The single judge had dismissed Ranganath from the HYDRAA Commissioner post, stating that his actions with regards to the subject property constituted "wilful, deliberate, intentional disobedience to the restraining orders of the court and breach of an undertaking given." The court directed the Chief Secretary to find a suitable replacement for Ranganath as soon as possible.