HC threatens army deployment over HYDRAA chief’s disregard for court

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court single judge bench of Justice Jukanti Anil Kumar on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner AV Ranganath over repeated non-compliance with judicial orders. Hearing three contempt petitions filed by Shanta Sriram Constructions Pvt Ltd regarding a disputed land parcel in Lothukunta of Malkajgiri mandal, the court strongly criticised the state authority for allegedly violating a previous court order.

Expressing deep displeasure over the officer’s conduct, Justice Kumar remarked that the Commissioner acted with disregard for the judiciary despite prior warnings. He stated that if the officer continues to enter private property without legal authorisation, the court will direct the Registrar-General to notify the senior-most Brigadier of the Bison Division to post army on the land, which adjoins a defence zone.

Justice Kumar directed Additional A-G Imran khan to inform Ranganath to stay away. If he doesn’t, we will write directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs or Defence and call the army into action. They keep dragging the police into everything, it’s completely unnecessary! The court opines that Ranganath, despite standing in these very corridors, he still has the audacity to do this again?

The judge emphasised that while the state may pursue an appeal before the Supreme Court, ignoring binding court orders amounts to contumacious conduct that undermines the majesty of the court and the rule of law. The bench expressed a total loss of faith in the State machinery, noting that restraint was shown earlier only out of respect for the Advocate-General.

Directing the Registrar-General to obtain the e-mail addresses of the Union Home Secretary and the Secretary of Defence, the court warned that it would formally communicate the officer’s actions to the Home Ministry and Defence Ministry if the non-compliance persists.

Court dismisses Talasani’s petition over protocol

violation claims

The HC closed the case filed by Sanathnagar BRS MLA Talasani Srinivas Yadav regarding alleged protocol violations by officials. The single judge bench of Justice Surepalli Nanda on Thursday heard the case. The controversy began when the legislator claimed that local authorities intentionally sidelined him during official planning sessions. The meetings focused on preparations for the “Sri Yellamma Pochamma Devasthanam Kalyanotsavam-2026” in Balkampet. Yadav alleged that officials conducted inspections alongside an unauthorised individual while ignoring his post as sitting MLA.

During the proceedings, the counsel representing the government and temple authorities strongly opposed the claims. The court was informed that officials actually followed proper procedure. State representatives noted that Yadav was invited to meetings and that staff even visited his home to notify him directly.

The court pointed out that the relief requested in the representation had expired, as the date mentioned in the plea had already passed. The bench observed that cases involving parliamentary protocol and privileges fall under the jurisdiction of the Assembly Privileges Committee, which is headed by the Speaker.

After hearing both sides, Justice Nanda dismissed the writ; all related interim applications were also closed.

Telangana

advocates meet CJI, seek better representation, more judges

A delegation from the Telangana High Court Advocates’ Association (THCAA) met the Chief Justice of India and several Supreme Court judges on Thursday to discuss the future of the State’s judiciary.

The group was led by association president S Surender Reddy, who presented a formal request based on a resolution the members had passed unanimously earlier this month. Supreme Court justices Suryakant, P S Narasimha, P V Sanjay Kumar, and S V N Bhatti were present.

The delegation’s main concern was lack of local representation on the Telangana HC bench. It said advocates originally from Telangana are not being picked often enough for judicial appointments, and argued that choosing local practising advocates matters for upholding social justice and making sure all sections of society are fairly represented.

The lawyers flagged an imbalance in how judges get elevated. District judges from other regions, they said, are often considered for HC posts, but eligible advocates originally from Telangana deserve the same consideration. The association asked the CJ to give local professionals priority so the selection process becomes more equitable.

The delegation raised broader structural concerns. It asked the sanctioned strength of the Telangana HC be raised from 42 judges to 60, to help the court manage its workload. The advocates asked the CJ to fill the vacancies and bring back judges who had earlier been transferred out of the Telangana HC.

Several senior members of the association attended the meeting, including secretary P Shravan Kumar Goud, joint secretary P Krishna Keerthana.