Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has provided interim relief to senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, directing the state government not to initiate any action against her based on the Ghose Commission Report into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). The next hearing on the matter has been scheduled for October 7.
Court Issues Interim Relief Amid Quash Petition
The High Court’s direction came a day after Sabharwal filed a petition seeking to quash adverse findings against her in the commission’s report. She contended that the Ghose Commission had made serious allegations without following due process, thereby violating her rights under Sections 8-B and 8-C of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.
These provisions mandate that individuals likely to be affected by a commission’s findings must be given a prior notice and a chance to be heard. Sabharwal argued that no such opportunity was granted to her.
Sabharwal Denies Involvement in Core Decisions
In her petition, Sabharwal emphasized that she did not participate in decision-making related to the construction of the barrages or the approval process of the project. She maintained that her role was limited to administrative functions and did not include any policy-level or cabinet-related decisions.
Commission’s Findings Under Scrutiny
In contrast, the Ghose Commission report had alleged that Sabharwal played a key role in the project. It cited her site visits, field inspections, feedback to then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR), and her involvement in granting administrative permissions. The report even recommended action against her for bypassing cabinet protocols and violating business rules.
Sabharwal has described these claims as arbitrary, prejudicial, and in violation of natural justice, asking the court to strike down all references to her in the report.
Previous Relief for KCR, Harish Rao
It’s worth noting that the High Court had earlier granted interim protection to former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, ex-Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, and former Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi, restraining the government from acting upon the report’s findings against them as well.
Read also: Telangana HC Bars Adverse Action Against Ex-IAS Officer S.K. Joshi Over Ghose Commission Report Till Oct 7
