Telangana: The Telangana High Court has issued contempt notices to two senior IAS officers for allegedly failing to comply with the court’s directions in a Right to Information (RTI) matter.
The notices were sent to K Ilambarithi, former Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and currently Commissioner of the Transport Department, and RV Karnan, the present GHMC Commissioner.
The development has raised concerns about administrative accountability and compliance with judicial orders, especially concerning citizens’ rights under the RTI Act, 2005.
Background of the Case
The contempt proceedings stem from a petition filed by Vaddam Shyam, a resident of Ramgopalpet, Secunderabad. Shyam had approached the High Court alleging that the GHMC failed to provide information he had sought under the RTI Act, despite clear directives from the court.
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According to the petition, the High Court had earlier ordered the Commissioner-cum-First Appellate Authority of GHMC to process and dispose of Shyam’s RTI application strictly as per the provisions of the RTI Act within four weeks of receiving the court order.
However, the petitioner claimed that even after the court’s instructions, the GHMC did not furnish the requested information, prompting him to initiate contempt proceedings.
Court’s Observations and Concerns
Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka, who is overseeing the contempt case, noted serious concerns regarding non-compliance with the court’s earlier orders.
Despite the High Court’s clear direction, the petitioner alleged that the GHMC did not carry out the required action on his RTI application. He also claimed that the order passed by the court on November 24 was not implemented by the then GHMC Commissioner, further strengthening the grounds for contempt action.
The judge emphasized that failure to follow judicial directives, especially in matters involving transparency and citizens’ rights, constitutes a serious violation warranting explanation from senior administrative officials.
Notices Issued to IAS Officers
In view of the alleged non-compliance, the Telangana High Court issued formal notices to:
- K Ilambarithi – Former GHMC Commissioner, currently Commissioner, Transport Department
- RV Karnan – Present GHMC Commissioner
The notices were issued under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, asking the officers to explain why action should not be taken against them for failing to implement the court’s directions issued on November 29.
Court’s Directions for Next Steps
The High Court directed both IAS officers to:
- 1. Submit Counter-Affidavits by January 9, 2026
- The court cautioned that failing to file counter-affidavits by this date would result in:
- Non-acceptance of late affidavits
- Imposition of ₹10,000 cost, payable to the Registrar (Judicial)
2. Mandatory Appearance: The court has ordered the officers to appear—either personally or through counsel—on January 9, 2026, the next scheduled date of hearing.
The court’s instructions reflect its strict stance on administrative accountability in matters involving judicial orders.
RTI Compliance and Administrative Accountability: A Larger Issue
This case highlights a recurring problem across government institutions: delays or failures in responding to RTI requests. The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, mandates timely and transparent access to information, enabling citizens to hold public authorities accountable.
However, several cases in recent years have pointed to systemic delays, incomplete responses, or outright non-compliance by government agencies.
The Telangana High Court’s decision to take strict action signals an important message—administrative officials, regardless of rank, must ensure timely compliance with the law and judicial directives.
