KCR’s Reply: Calls investigation vindictive, wants Justice Narasimha Reddy to voluntarily relinquish the post of chairman of commission

HYDERABAD: In his 12-page reply to Justice L. Narasimha Reddy's Commission appointed by the State government to inquire into the alleged irregularities in the power sector during the previous BRS Government, former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) not only refuted the allegations of the Congress Government but also expressed dismay over the decision of the retired judge to head the commission that had no legal validity.

The commission on June 11 has served notices on 25 officials and non-officials, including KCR seeking their written explanation.

Explaining the circumstances under which the new-born State was reeling under a severe power crunch and the steps he initiated to rectify the problems for speedy development of the Stare KCR said that the commission of inquiry was set up by the Congress government to discredit him and his Government.

“It is well known that Telangana, which was longing for electricity, made a significant change as we gave 24-hour quality electricity to all sectors. It is most unfortunate that the present Government is trying to downplay this, it pains me that you, as the Chairman of the Commission, address a press conference without completing your investigation, that too taking my name,” KCR said.

He added that he wanted to submit his views to the commission by June 15, 2024, after the Lok Sabha elections. “But contrary to the traditions of an inquiry commission, it pained me that you held a press conference before the completion of the inquiry. A trial is a sacred duty. When a dispute arises between two parties, the mediator must establish the truth. It is a solemn task to report only to those responsible with documentary evidence, after having thoroughly examined all the facts and all the angles, and having come to a complete conclusion,” he said.

KCR opined that the commission had already decided on its conclusion. “I am sorry to say that's not your style. Whatever comments you have made after taking charge of the Inquiry, it is clear that you have decided to submit a report against the previous Government. Your words make it clear that the only thing left to do is to calculate the financial loss due to the mistakes of the past Government. Even after retiring as the Chief Justice of the High Court, your conduct is contrary to the principles of natural justice,” KCR said lambasting the vindictive approach of the Government.

KCR pointed out that the words of Justice Narasimha Reddy were like a judgment that had been pronounced before the trial was over. “There seems to be no impartiality in your investigation. Therefore, it is clear that whatever I say in front of you will be of no use. Considering all the above, I humbly request you to voluntarily step down from the responsibilities of this Commission of Inquiry,” KCR said.

No law was violated

KCR replied that the erstwhile Government did not violate any law of the land to augment the power supply. “Whether the purchase of power or construction of new plants all kinds of laws and rules have been followed, central and state permissions have been obtained, as per the Electricity Act 2003. All necessary approvals from Central Government, Central Government agencies, State Government and State Government agencies have been obtained and some are in progress,” he observed.

Apart from this, all actions were taken subject to the decisions of the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) constituted under the Electricity Act, 2003. “If any person or persons or organizations have objections to such actions, they may raise their objections in public hearings held by the ERCs. Once the verdict is out, they can appeal to the Electricity Appellate Tribunal (ASTEL),” he said.

KCR opined Revanth Reddy, the present Chief Minister of Telangna could have approached the Electricity Appellate Tribunal (APTEL) and subsequently the Supreme Court, in case of objections to the decisions, if any.

“But he did not file any complaint. As a former Chief Justice of the High Court, you have acted without indicating to the Government that setting up of a Commission of Inquiry into the judgments of the ERCs, which is a judicial authority, is illegal. It's a shame that you took that responsibility. Then you illegally started the investigation and without considering many things in detail held a press conference and made irrelevant comments on many issues. I object to such things and express my objections to you through my reply,” KCR said.