Karnataka High Court initiates contempt proceedings over ruckus created by lawyers’ group inside Chief Justice’s court hall

The Telangana High Court has extended the stay on a single-judge order that sought to relieve IPS officer A.V. Ranganath from his position as HYDRAA Commissioner. This decision was taken by a division Bench consisting of Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Renuka Yara, who were initially responsible for passing interim directions in two contempt appeals filed by Ranganath.

The earlier single judge order, which had been suspended by the division Bench two months ago, has been extended indefinitely. This order aimed to relieve Ranganath from his duties as HYDRAA Commissioner following a contempt of court case filed by a construction company. The construction company alleged that the HYDRAA Commissioner and his staff had illegally interfered in the matter despite explicit orders from the High Court.

Furthermore, the division Bench also vacated the earlier direction that restricted the HYDRAA Commissioner from interfering with the possession of a piece of land owned by M/s Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited in Lothkunta, Medchal Malkajgiri district. The construction company had previously sought to maintain the status quo regarding the land.

The single judge of the High Court had issued an order on July 27, directing the government to relieve Ranganath from his position as HYDRAA Commissioner following the filing of the contempt of court case. However, on September 1, 2026, the division bench of the High Court intervened and suspended the single judge order.

The two contempt appeals filed by Ranganath were adjourned to January 20, 2027, for further hearing. The decision to extend the stay on the single-judge order provides temporary relief to Ranganath as he continues his duties as HYDRAA Commissioner.