Hyderabad, Aug. 13 -- The Telangana High Court on Wednesday, August 12, initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner AV Ranganath over the demolition of structures at Vani Cooperative Housing Society in Malkajgiri, despite status quo orders that were still in force.

Justice NV Sravan Kumar directed the High Court registry to issue contempt notices to Ranganath, asking him to explain within two weeks why HYDRAA carried out the demolitions without verifying pending court stays or securing instructions from revenue authorities.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by plot owners in the cooperative society, who alleged high-handed action by HYDRAA and revenue off...