Archive · 2 Sep 2026
High Court Puts HYDRAA Chief Ranganath’s Removal On Hold
AV Ranganath leads an agency called HYDRAA.
A company said HYDRAA workers entered its land in Lothkunta even though a court had told the agency not to interfere.
A single judge said Ranganath should be removed from his job.
Ranganath disagreed and appealed that decision.
A larger group of judges, called a Division Bench, has now paused the removal order.
This means Ranganath can remain in his post while the appeal is considered.
The judges also told the company not to sell the land during the case.
The court will hear the matter again on November 3, 2026.
A Telangana High Court Division Bench suspended the order seeking AV Ranganath’s removal as HYDRAA Commissioner.
The Bench admitted Ranganath’s two contempt appeals and scheduled further proceedings for November 3, 2026.
The original order followed allegations that HYDRAA officials entered Shanta Sriram Constructions’ 40-acre Lothkunta property despite court restraints.
The Single Judge said HYDRAA exceeded its mandate and noted that 63 contempt cases were pending against Ranganath.
The Division Bench ordered the construction company to maintain status quo and barred it from selling the disputed land meanwhile.
- Who
- HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, the Telangana High Court, Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited, and the Telangana government.
- What
- A Division Bench has put on hold the Single Judge’s direction to relieve Ranganath as HYDRAA Commissioner while hearing his contempt appeals.
- When
- The Single Judge issued the original order on July 27, 2026; the Division Bench scheduled further hearing for November 3, 2026.
- Where
- The dispute concerns a 40-acre property in Lothkunta and proceedings before the Telangana High Court.
- Why
- The appeals followed allegations that HYDRAA entered the property despite court orders, while the Single Judge also criticized the agency’s conduct and mandate.
Single Judge and Property Company
Ranganath and Telangana Government
HYDRAA’s authority and conduct
Single Judge and Property Company
The Single Judge said HYDRAA acted beyond its mandate and bypassed revenue, irrigation, and GHMC departments. Shanta Sriram Constructions alleged that the agency violated court restraints by entering its property.
Ranganath and Telangana Government
Ranganath defended HYDRAA’s actions as part of its effort to protect lakes and government land. He said the contempt cases were filed by influential encroachers affected by that work.
Ranganath’s removal
Single Judge and Property Company
The Single Judge requested or directed the Chief Secretary to relieve Ranganath and appoint another officer after finding that his actions amounted to contempt of court.
Ranganath and Telangana Government
Ranganath challenged the order in two contempt appeals, and the Division Bench has suspended the removal-related direction while the appeals proceed.
Status of the disputed land
Single Judge and Property Company
The construction company pursued contempt proceedings, alleging interference with its 40-acre Lothkunta property.
Ranganath and Telangana Government
The Division Bench ordered the company to maintain status quo and restrained it from selling the land until further proceedings.
- Commissioner
- AV Ranganath, head of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA)
- Original order
- Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti requested or directed the Chief Secretary to relieve Ranganath and appoint another officer.
- Appellate court
- A Division Bench comprising Justice Puthichira Sam Koshy and Justice Nandikonda Narsing Rao suspended the removal-related portion of the order.
- Property involved
- A 40-acre parcel in Lothkunta owned by or associated with Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited.
- Allegation
- The company alleged that HYDRAA officials entered the land despite court orders restraining interference; one report cited 50 vehicles and 200 personnel.
- Pending cases
- The Single Judge noted that 63 contempt cases were pending against Ranganath for alleged violations of court orders.
- Next hearing
- November 3, 2026
