Hyderabad: Smita Sabharwal, a senior IAS officer, has approached the Telangana High Court. She has filed a petition against the Justice PC Ghose Commission Report related to the Kaleshwaram project.
During the BRS government, Sabharwal served as the Secretary for the Irrigation department on a full additional charge basis. Her name appeared in the report, which suggested taking action against her concerning the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. The report claims she played a significant role in overseeing these projects. The court is expected to review her petition in two days.
The Commission, led by Justice (Retd.) Pinaki Chandra Ghose, indicated that Sabharwal was involved in monitoring the construction progress. It included evidence like photographs showing her at the project sites, briefing the Chief Minister, and joining review meetings.
In her defense, Sabharwal stated that she was not part of the decision-making for the barrages. She explained her role was limited to routine administrative activities in her position.
She also argued that the Commission did not follow the required procedures, failing to issue notices as per the Sections 8-B and 8-C of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. She described the findings against her as biased, defamatory, and unlawful. Sabharwal has requested the court to annul the report’s negative remarks against her.
