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Telangana High Court Rebukes IAS Officers Over Contempt Case, Raises Questions on Foreign Travel
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court expressed strong displeasure over the conduct of senior IAS officers in a contempt of court case involving delayed payment of land acquisition compensation.
The court questioned how officials facing bailable warrants could travel abroad and return without facing legal consequences.
The case involved Finance Department Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania and Roads and Buildings Department Principal Secretary Vikas Raj.
The contempt proceedings arose from allegations that affected landowners were not paid compensation as directed by the High Court.
High Court Had Ordered Payment of Compensation
According to reports, the dispute relates to land acquisition compensation and the implementation of an earlier court order.
The High Court had directed the authorities to deposit 50% of the compensation amount within the prescribed period. The amount was connected to an execution petition before the Principal District Judge in Gadwal.
However, the directions were allegedly not implemented despite repeated opportunities.
Following the alleged non-compliance, contempt proceedings were initiated against the senior officials.
Bailable Warrants Issued Against IAS Officers
The Telangana High Court subsequently issued bailable warrants against Sandeep Kumar Sultania and Vikas Raj after they reportedly failed to appear before the court.
Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar directed that the officers be produced before the court.
When the matter came up for hearing, government lawyers reportedly informed the court that the officers could not attend because of the ongoing Assembly session.
The explanation, however, drew a sharp response from the court.
“What If They Were Arrested at the Airport?” Court Asks
The judge reportedly questioned how officials facing bailable warrants could travel abroad and later return to India.
The court also raised concerns about the possible consequences if the officers were detained at an airport.
The judge expressed displeasure over the apparent failure to comply with judicial directions.
The court also questioned the government’s explanation that payments would be made when funds became available.
Officials had reportedly cited budgetary constraints and said compensation would be released based on priority.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the argument, stressing that court orders cannot be ignored merely by citing a lack of funds.
Government Says Compensation Has Now Been Paid
During the hearing, government counsel informed the High Court that the compensation had recently been paid.
The lawyers also sought the court’s indulgence and requested that the contempt proceedings be closed.
After recording the submission regarding compliance, the judge closed the contempt case.
The development highlights the Telangana High Court’s continued emphasis on accountability and compliance with judicial orders by government authorities.
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