Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Monday warned that the Chief Secretary of the state government would be required to appear before it on November 4, 2026, if the government failed to comply with its earlier orders in six contempt petitions concerning the School Education Department.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Puthichira Sam Koshy and Justice Natcharaju Venkata Shravan Kumar heard the petitions alleging wilful disobedience of court directions by Dr Yogita Rana, an IAS officer of the 2003 batch from the Telangana cadre and Principal Secretary of the School Education Department.
The petitions seek action against the senior official under Sections 10 to 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, over the alleged non-compliance with the court’s orders.
Telangana High Court Expresses Concern Over Delay in Compliance
The latest proceedings follow an order passed by the Division Bench on September 23, 2026, when it expressed serious concern over the delay in implementing its directions.
In Contempt Case No. 732 of 2025, filed by K. Suguna, the court noted that the original directions had been issued on July 13, 2022, but remained unimplemented despite repeated opportunities given to the authorities.
The Bench observed that the state government had been unable to take a final decision on compliance and had repeatedly sought adjournments to obtain further instructions.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the authorities were dealing with judicial orders, the court highlighted the need for government departments to act on directions issued against them.
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Principal Secretary Directed to Appear Before Court
In its September 23 order, the High Court directed Dr Yogita Rana to remain present on October 26, 2026, so that charges could be framed in the contempt proceedings if the earlier directions remained unimplemented.
During Monday’s hearing, the Bench was informed that certain steps had been taken towards compliance, including approval from the competent authority.
However, the court expressed concern that a final decision had still not been taken and the earlier directions had not been fully implemented.
Chief Secretary May Face Court Appearance on November 4
Taking note of the steps reportedly initiated by the authorities, the High Court granted the state government additional time to comply with its earlier orders and adjourned the matters to November 4, 2026.
The Bench made it clear that if the directions remained unimplemented by the next hearing, the Chief Secretary would also have to appear before the court along with the Principal Secretary concerned.
The officials would be required to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated over the alleged wilful disobedience of the court’s orders.
Six Contempt Petitions to Be Heard on November 4
The six petitions concern the alleged failure to comply with judicial directions relating to the School Education Department. The proceedings seek accountability for the continued delay in implementing the court’s orders.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2026, when the court will consider the status of compliance and determine the further course of action.
The High Court’s warning places the state government under a deadline to implement the pending directions and avoid the possible appearance of its Chief Secretary in the contempt proceedings.
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