Telangana High Court stays K.T. Rama Rao passport impounding

The Telangana High Court has ordered a status quo regarding the potential impounding of BRS working president and Sircilla MLA K.T. Rama Rao’s passport until November 6. The interim order follows a writ petition filed by Rama Rao challenging a September 28 show-cause notice and subsequent October 13 proceedings issued by the Regional Passport Office (RPO).

The legal dispute stems from an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation into alleged irregularities involving the Formula E race held in Hyderabad in 2023. Rama Rao’s counsel argued that the move to impound the passport was premature and illegal, noting that while a charge sheet has been filed, the trial court has not imposed any restrictions on his travel.

During the hearing, Justice E.V. Venugopal questioned the ACB on whether it had obtained specific permission from the trial court before notifying passport authorities. The court has issued notices to the Union of India, the Regional Passport Officer, and the Director-General of the ACB, seeking detailed responses to the petition.