8 months ago
Telangana HC Criticizes Land Regularization Favoring Mayor
The Telangana High Court is upset with the government for giving land to the city's mayor and her brother at very cheap prices.
The court says this is not fair because the land is worth much more.
The court wants the government to fix this and make sure everyone pays the same price for land.
The mayor and her brother got the land for just ₹2,500 and ₹350 per square yard, but the real price is ₹60,300 per square yard.
The court doesn't want to take the land away, but it wants everyone to follow the same rules.
The next hearing is on January 7, 2026.
Additionally, the court has issued notices to two senior IAS officers for not following the court's orders regarding an RTI case.
The officers have to explain why they didn't follow the orders by January 9, 2026.
Telangana High Court criticizes government for regularizing land at nominal rates favoring GHMC Mayor and her sibling.
Court questions fairness and uniformity in land regularization policy, noting beneficiaries received land for ₹2,500 and ₹350 per square yard instead of the prevailing rate of ₹60,300 per square yard.
Court advises government to rectify the government order and apply uniform rates for all applicants.
Next hearing scheduled for January 7, 2026.
Court issues notices to two senior IAS officers in contempt proceedings for non-compliance with RTI directives, with the next hearing on January 9, 2026.
- Who
- Telangana High Court, GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, K. Venkateshwar Rao, K. Keshava Rao (former MP)
- What
- Court criticizes government for regularizing land at nominal rates favoring mayor and her sibling, and issues notices to senior IAS officers in contempt proceedings for non-compliance with RTI directives.
- Where
- Telangana High Court, Hyderabad
- When
- Hearing on December 2023, regularization on May 23, 2023, next hearing on January 7, 2026
- Why
- Court questions fairness and uniformity in land regularization policy and non-compliance with RTI directives.
Petitioner's Side
Government's Side
Land Regularization Process
Petitioner's Side
The petitioner argues that the land regularization process was misused, bypassing mandatory procedures and causing substantial financial loss to the exchequer.
Government's Side
The government acknowledges the regularization but claims the beneficiaries underwent extensive legal procedures due to pending litigation and seeks time to present a detailed argument.
Uniformity in Land Regularization
Petitioner's Side
The petitioner contends that the regularization was not uniform and favored specific individuals, leading to unfair financial benefits.
Government's Side
The government has not explicitly denied the allegations but seeks additional time to present its case, implying a potential defense of the regularization process.
Key facts
- Court
- Telangana High Court
- Beneficiaries
- GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi and K. Venkateshwar Rao
- Land Area
- 1,161 sq yards and 425 sq yards
- Regularisation Date
- May 23, 2023
- Regularisation Rates
- ₹2,500 and ₹350 per square yard
- Prevailing Card Rate
- ₹60,300 per square yard
- Next Hearing Date
- January 7, 2026
- Petitioner
- Gadeela Raghuveer Reddy
- Government Representatives
- Additional Advocate-General Md Imran Khan
Timeline
Telangana eyes temple land sales for funds, revealing plans for upgrades and tourism boost.
Then, government moves ahead, aiming to raise cash for temple improvements.
High Court slams government: Land sold cheap to mayor, her brother.
Quotes
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G M Mohiuddin
The judges presiding over the case in the Telangana High Court.
“The department has applied a careful mind to the case of these petitioners. The scheme permits the regularisation of all those who were encroachers as of June 2, 2014. Everyone had land in their possession from different periods of time. Why this deviation in the case of private respondents?”
indianexpress.com
“We are not saying remove them, but charge them at the rate which everyone else has to pay… We only want you to stick to the policy you have framed and not make exceptions to anyone.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Telangana HC Ticks Off Government on Land Regularisation
Plea challenging cabinet rank for advisers: Telangana HC to hear petition along with 2017 PIL filed then by present CM
Telangana HC Admits PIL Challenging Cabinet-Rank to Advisers
Telangana HC Fines Govt Rs 5,000 for Delay in Himayatsagar FTL Case
Court issues notices to two senior IAS officers in contempt proceedings
HC issues contempt notices to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation chief, ex-chief over RTI non-compliance
‘Stick to the policy’: Telangana HC questions concessions in Banjara Hills land regularisation for GHMC mayor, brother
HC questions land allotment in Banjara Hills to former MP’s kin
