Telangana HC Stays Inquiry Report into JH Housing Society Irregularities

 Hyderabad: Justice T. Madhavi Devi of the Telangana High Court has stayed the inquiry report submitted by the special grade deputy registrar on alleged misappropriation of funds and illegal transfer of plots in the Jubilee Hills Co-operative House Building Society Ltd.

After being warned by the High Court to get ready to face contempt proceedings on September 7, the inquiry officer furnished the report, which clearly stated the illegalities in the society. According to the report, the irregularities carried out amounted to several crores of rupees, which severely depleted the society's funds.

The report ordered recovery from the erstwhile committee members, Rs 17.16 crore which relates to the transfer of additional land to 23 plot owners. Additionally, the report stated that Rs 2.37 crore, earmarked for the construction of a library, was diverted towards the construction of an apartment by Sai Teja Constructions.

Challenging the report, K. Ramesh Chowdary approached the High Court and contended that the inquiry officer was appointed on 23.03.2022 under Section 51 of the TGCS Act, 1964 and the period was extended up to 19.11.2022. The maximum period allowed for completion of an inquiry wass four months, which can further be extended by the registrar under section 51 of the TGCS Act for a further period of two months. But, the inquiry officer disclosed the report in 2024 and it is a clear violation of the provisions of the Act.

When the inquiry report was perused by the court, it was found that no date was mentioned in the inquiry report. Hence, the judge issued stay orders on the inquiry report.