HYDERABAD: In a first of its kind order in the country, Telangana high court ordered deployment of armed forces for protection of a private disputed property after observing that it has “lost all faith in the state government and its instrumentalities.”“ Though the court is conscious to not involve the Army in such issues, we are doing as we have lost faith in the state. Those sitting in the secretariat should also know what is happening,” said the court.Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti passed the orders while hearing a contempt petition filed by Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited, alleging HYDRAA’s illegal interference in their property at Lothukunta, Secunderabad.The judge said that if needed it could direct the Army to take custody of HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath and place him in the Army barracks for repeatedly violating court orders.The judge further directed the Registrar General, High court to get in touch with the Army’s senior most Brigadier posted to the Bison division and get a list of ten personnel by tomorrow (Friday) to be posted at the disputed site for protection.“ Let the army personnel be deployed there. Let them take into custody anybody including HYDRAA coming into the site and put them in the barracks. Seize the vehicles also,” said the judge in the open court.Despite the Additional Advocate General categorically refuting the allegations of HYDRAA entering the property, the judge referred to the photographs produced by the petitioner and said HYDRAA vehicles are clearly seen in the land and it is a clear violation.The judge on Tuesday summoned the HYDRAA chief for contempt of court and censured him, warning that he would direct police to take him into custody. Police personnel were also asked to be present in the court for any directions to that effect. However, after Advocate General A Sudarshan Reddy appeared before the court and sought indulgence, the judge noted that the officer has become a habitual offender violating court orders.On Thursday, the judge said that the officer was given an exception just because the highest law officer of the state (Advocate General) urged and gave an assurance that such incidents would not be repeated.“ But he thinks he is beyond everything and goes on violating court orders, not once, but thrice. This is a contumacious interference in the administration of justice,” said the judge, even as Additional Advocate General Mohd Imran Khan urged for last indulgence saying such actions would not be repeated hereafter. The judge further observed that if HYDRAA behaves this way there would be no end for this.
