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Telangana HC stays action against KCR, 3 others based on Kaleshwaram panel report
The Telangana High Court directed the state government not to take coercive action against K. Chandrasekhar Rao and others based on the Ghose Commission's Kaleshwaram findings, staying the report's use in further proceedings. The bench upheld the commission's validity but held its findings void for violating natural justice and cautioned against media publication before legislative scrutiny.
Why It Matters
The court's stay limits the government's ability to act on Ghose Commission findings, preserving due process and potentially shaping political and legal trajectories around the Kaleshwaram project.
Timeline
8 Events
Cabinet to deliberate on verdict
April 22, 2026
The state cabinet was set to deliberate on the High Court verdict in its meeting on Thursday (April 23, 2026), according to comments on April 22, 2026.
Uttam Kumar Reddy reaction and cabinet remark
April 22, 2026
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that not just the Ghose Commission but earlier investigations by ND Authority, experts committee and vigilance commission indicated structural faults in Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages and said the cabinet would deliberate on the verdict in its meeting on Thursday.
K T Rama Rao reaction to judgement
April 22, 2026
BRS working president K T Rama Rao welcomed the High Court’s stay on the Ghose Commission report, describing it as a 'tight slap in the face' to the Congress government and asserting constitutional institutions cannot be misused for political gains.
Harish Rao reaction to judgement
April 22, 2026
Harish Rao said that truth ultimately prevailed, urged the Congress government to end vindictive politics, and called for expediting repairs to the Medigadda barrage.
High Court judgement and stay on Ghose Commission findings
April 22, 2026
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin delivered its judgement, directing the state government not to take coercive action against KCR and others based on the Ghose Commission report and staying the report's use for further proceedings. The court also held that the commission’s findings are inoperative due to violations of natural justice and safeguards under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, while noting the commission’s constitution was not illegal.
Judgement reserved by High Court
April 8, 2026
The Telangana High Court reserved its judgement on petitions challenging the Ghose Commission, after hearing arguments from petitioners including KCR, Harish Rao, Smitha Sabharwal and S K Joshi.
Ghose Commission report submitted
July 31, 2025
The Ghose Commission submitted its report to the Telangana government on July 31, 2025, holding KCR directly and vicariously accountable for irregularities and indicting Harish Rao, chief secretary S K Joshi, and secretary to the chief minister Smitha Sabharwal.
Ghose Commission appointment
March 2024
The Telangana government appointed the Ghose Commission in March 2024 to investigate alleged irregularities in planning, design, construction, quality control, operation and maintenance of the Kaleshwaram project’s Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla Barrages.