Hyderabad: Senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal has filed a writ petition before the Telangana High Court, challenging the findings and recommendations of the PC Ghose Commission Report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).
The matter is expected to come up for hearing before the Chief Justice Bench in the coming days.
Background: The Kaleshwaram Report and Sabharwal’s Role
Sabharwal, a 2001-batch IAS officer, had served as Additional Secretary and later as Secretary to then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) during the BRS regime. Her name appeared in the commission’s final report dated July 31, 2025, which held her administratively responsible for her alleged role in the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages.
The commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) Pinaki Chandra Ghose, concluded that Sabharwal was actively involved in reviewing the construction progress, participating in site visits and meetings, and even briefing the Chief Minister directly.
It was alleged that she had accorded administrative sanctions for the barrage-related projects without routing the files through the Cabinet, which the report termed a violation of business rules. Based on these observations, the commission had recommended disciplinary action against her.
Grounds for Legal Challenge
In her petition, Sabharwal has refuted the allegations, asserting that she was not part of the policy or decision-making process. Instead, she claims she was merely processing files in her official capacity.
She also contended that the commission did not issue mandatory notices to her under Sections 8-B and 8-C of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, thereby violating principles of natural justice.
Further, she has termed the commission’s findings as prejudicial, defamatory, and illegal, and is seeking the quashing of the adverse remarks made against her.
Respondents Named in the Case
The Chief Secretary, Secretary of the Irrigation & Command Area Development Department, and the PC Ghose Commission of Inquiry have been listed as respondents in the writ petition.
