The Telangana High Court on Friday came down heavily on the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) during the hearing of the Lothukunta land dispute case. Expressing serious concern over the alleged violation of its orders, the bench questioned the conduct of HYDRAA officials. Advocate General Sudarshan Reddy appeared on behalf of the agency, while the court also voiced its displeasure over the functioning of HYDRAA Commissioner Ranganath.
During the proceedings, the High Court asked whether HYDRAA was acting as if only its own law existed, ignoring the provisions of the Revenue and Irrigation Acts. The bench observed that disregarding High Court orders appeared to have become a routine practice for the agency and stressed that government authorities are bound to comply with judicial directions.
The court further remarked that violating orders issued in three separate contempt petitions concerning the same parcel of land was unprecedented. Reiterating the importance of respecting the rule of law, the High Court warned against non-compliance with its directions and continued hearing the matter.
