Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Telangana HC Warns HYDRAA Official, Upholds Businessman's Detention
In Hyderabad, a judge at the High Court spoke sternly to a government official named Ranganath, who is in charge of protecting lakes.
The judge warned Ranganath not to use his power unfairly or ignore court rules while trying to fix up lakes.
The judge said that Ranganath's department, HYDRAA, had ignored orders about some land and had demolished small homes without telling people first, which upset the judge.
In another case, the court decided to keep a businessman named Sanjith Das in detention.
He was stopped from flying because he had both an Indian passport and a Bangladeshi ID card, making officials suspicious about how he got his Indian passport.
The court said he should try to sort things out with the office that deals with foreigners.
Finally, the court also heard a case where a law enforcement agency, the CBI, asked that money and properties belonging to a politician, Jagan, should not be given back until his court case is finished.
The Telangana High Court cautioned HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath against misuse of authority and violation of court orders in lake rejuvenation efforts.
The court upheld the detention of businessman Sanjith Das, who was found with both an Indian passport obtained via alleged forged documents and a Bangladeshi identity card.
Landowners accused HYDRAA of dispossessing them of land near Tammidikunta by claiming it was for lake restoration, despite court orders to maintain the status quo.
The court questioned HYDRAA's broad powers and criticized demolition practices that allegedly lacked due notice and adherence to law.
The CBI urged the High Court to keep properties frozen in the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy disproportionate assets case under restraint until the trial concludes.
- Who
- The Telangana High Court, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, businessman Sanjith Das, and the CBI.
- What
- The Telangana High Court cautioned HYDRAA and its commissioner against misusing authority and violating court orders, upheld the detention of businessman Sanjith Das, and heard arguments on the release of frozen assets in the Jagan case.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Hyderabad, India (Telangana High Court)
- Why
- HYDRAA was accused of violating court orders in lake rejuvenation projects; Sanjith Das was detained for allegedly holding dual identity documents (Indian passport and Bangladeshi ID card), and the CBI argued for continued freezing of assets in a disproportionate assets case.
HYDRAA Commissioner's Actions
Court's Concerns
Use of Authority
HYDRAA Commissioner's Actions
Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, as HYDRAA chief, believes his actions are for protecting water bodies and rejuvenating lakes, with public praise for HYDRAA's work.
Court's Concerns
Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy cautioned against the misuse of authority and violation of court orders, stating that authority is not for showing power and must be used humanistically within the rule of law.
Lake Rejuvenation and Demolitions
HYDRAA Commissioner's Actions
HYDRAA proceeded with works on land near Tammidikunta despite court orders, claiming it was for lake restoration and questioning the landowners' claims. The Commissioner stated people approach HYDRAA with complaints on violations and encroachments.
Court's Concerns
The court questioned HYDRAA's authority to undertake extensive works beyond its mandate and noted that demolitions were conducted without proper notice or opportunity for hearing, leading to people being thrown out of their homes, even as governments later regularize such structures.
Dispute over Land Classification
HYDRAA Commissioner's Actions
HYDRAA claims the land is 'assignment land' and questions the landowners' objection to its classification and involvement in restoration or rejuvenation of lakes.
Court's Concerns
Landowners object to HYDRAA's actions, stating the agency is dispossessing them without proper surveys for Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones.
- Court
- Telangana High Court
- HYDRAA Commissioner
- A.V. Ranganath
- Case 1: HYDRAA
- Contempt cases for violating status quo orders on Tammidikunta land.
- Case 2: Sanjith Das
- Habeas corpus petition challenging detention.
- Detained Businessman
- Sanjith Das
- Sanjith Das Reason for Scrutiny
- Possession of Indian passport and Bangladeshi national identity card.
- Jagan Case
- CBI urged not to release frozen assets until trial conclusion.
