The Telangana High Court has dismissed a plea filed by former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) challenging an inquiry into power purchase agreements and the construction of thermal power plants during his administration. The court’s decision comes amid allegations of financial irregularities and procedural lapses in these projects.
Background of the Case
KCR’s petition sought to stay the proceedings of a commission headed by Justice (retired) L Narasimha Reddy, which was set up to investigate the procurement of power from Chhattisgarh and the construction of the Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power plants. The inquiry was initiated following claims that these deals were financially imprudent and caused significant losses to the state exchequer.
Court’s Decision
- Dismissal of Plea: The court rejected KCR’s plea to halt the investigation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the execution of these projects. The High Court underscored the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.
- Legal Arguments: KCR’s legal team argued that the commission’s actions were biased and politically motivated. They contended that the commission did not provide KCR an opportunity to present his case before concluding that irregularities had occurred. However, the court found these arguments insufficient to justify halting the inquiry.
Implications
- Impact on Governance: This ruling reinforces the judiciary’s role in ensuring that government actions, especially those involving significant financial transactions, are conducted transparently and within legal bounds.
- Continued Investigation: The commission will proceed with its investigation, which could have far-reaching implications for KCR and his former administration if the allegations are substantiated.
The Telangana High Court’s decision marks a significant step in addressing allegations of corruption and mismanagement in public projects, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining integrity in governance.