Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday expressed sharp displeasure at Rajanna Sircilla district collector Sandeep Kumar Jha, questioning both his conduct and his appearance in court. The bench remarked that his dressing sense was inappropriate and said, “Looking at you itself makes us fearful; how will you serve the public?”
High Court questions collector over conduct
The case involved Mid Maneru evacuee Vanabatla Kavitha, who had earlier been granted compensation by the High Court. However, instead of implementing the order, local officials allegedly filed false cases against her under the collector’s instructions.
Kavitha again approached the court, which held a hearing today. During the proceedings, the bench raised objections to Jha’s appearance and asked if he was aware of courtroom protocol. The judges directed the state government and Chief Secretary to implement the earlier compensation order without delay.
The court further instructed the Principal Home Secretary to initiate action against the collector for his conduct.
Previous controversies surrounding Jha
This is not the first time Jha has faced judicial censure. Earlier, the High Court issued a warrant against him for failing to appear and for not filing a reply in the same case.
Controversy also arose on September 17, when government whip Aadi Srinivas attended the Praja Palana celebrations in Rajanna Sircilla. Jha, serving as district collector, allegedly failed to follow protocol. Following Srinivas’s complaint, the Chief Secretary issued notices to the collector.
With the High Court now taking a stern view, officials and political circles are closely watching what action the state government will take against him.
