A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin concluded final arguments and initially scheduled the order for April 8, 2026, before postponing it to April 22, 2026.

The court also extended its interim order protecting the petitioners, including former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Minister T. Harish Rao, and senior official Shailendra Kumar Joshi, from adverse action based on the commission's report.

Revanth Reddy blamed for Gurukul student's snakebite crisis

The controversy results from G.O. Ms. No. 6, issued by the Telangana Government on March 14, 2024, which established a Commission of Inquiry led by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose. The commission was tasked with investigating alleged negligence, irregularities, and deficiencies in the planning, design, and construction of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, which are essential parts of the Kaleshwaram project.

The commission submitted its report on July 31, 2025. The state cabinet reportedly accepted the findings on August 4, 2025, and released a PowerPoint summary to the press that day.

The petitioners have challenged both the formation of the commission and its report. They argue the commission violated principles of natural justice by making prejudicial, illegal, and defamatory observations against them without issuing notices under Sections 8-B and 8-C of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, which require a hearing for those likely to be adversely affected.

Further, they contend that G.O. Ms. No. 6 itself is "illegal, arbitrary, unconstitutional, and ultra vires" the provisions of the 1952 Act, as well as contrary to judgments of the Supreme Court and the Telangana High Court.

The petitioners further allege the report was premeditated and biased. They contend that repeatedly publishing the report without providing them copies constitutes an arbitrary and mala fide action by the state government.

Shailendra Kumar Joshi, a former official, sought to have the report and its cabinet acceptance declared arbitrary and unconstitutional. Thanneeru Harish Rao, sitting MLA and former Minister, challenged both the G.O. and the report. Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Chief Minister, filed a petition on similar grounds. Another petitioner also challenged the commission's findings and the state's actions.

The bench heard extensive arguments from senior counsel. After reply submissions, the court reserved the matters for orders and directed that the interim order remain in effect until the next hearing on April 8, 2026. Consequently, no adverse action may be taken against the petitioners based on the commission's findings until further orders.