High Court Ruling Sparks Controversy Over Kaleshwaram Project Inquiry

Telangana's High Court ordered no action against former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and others based on a commission's findings on Kaleshwaram project irregularities. Despite objections to the commission's procedures, the court's verdict isn't seen as impeding a CBI inquiry into the project's financial mismanagement and structural failures.

The High Court of Telangana, in a significant order on Wednesday, declared that no action shall be taken against former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and others in connection with alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project, based on the findings of the PC Ghose Commission.

Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy asserted that the High Court's decision does not hinder ongoing efforts to conduct a CBI inquiry into the matter. Despite the court's order, plans for a federal probe remain intact, as the court found procedural lapses in the commission's report but no fault with its constitution or findings.

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, a multi-billion rupee initiative, has been under scrutiny for infrastructural failures, including a barrage collapse. The issue has fueled political disputes, with Congress and BRS leaders exchanging accusations concerning corruption and project mismanagement.