Telangana govt may file SLP in Supreme Court over Ammuguda land dispute

By: V. Swathi Source: HYDERABAD

The State government is considering approaching the Supreme Court to challenge a High Court ruling that favoured a builder in a dispute over land ownership in the Ammuguda hillocks. The case has placed the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) in a difficult position with the court.

According to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the government has decided to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the apex court, contesting the High Court's order regarding the title to the land.

Background of the Dispute

• The High Court delivered its judgment on the land ownership issue some time ago.
• HYDRAA forces recently entered the land and halted the builder's ongoing work.
• In response, the builder filed a contempt petition against HYDRAA in the High Court.

High Court's Remarks

During the hearing of the contempt petition, the High Court made strong observations against HYDRAA chief A.V. Ranganath, who is already a respondent in 63 contempt cases. The court opined that he should be removed from his current position and requested the Chief Secretary to replace him with a suitable officer.

Government's Position

The government is still evaluating its options regarding the High Court's recommendations and is seeking legal opinion on whether they are binding on the government. Officials noted that while it was widely reported that the court had ordered the removal of the HYDRAA chief, the written judgment contained only a request, not an order or direction. As such, it may not be binding on the government.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has strongly supported Mr. Ranganath in light of the High Court's recommendation, stating that the posting of officials is the government's prerogative.