The Telangana High Court has come down heavily on the state government for its repeated delays in a significant land dispute case. On Tuesday, a division bench imposed a substantial cost of Rs 5,000 on every delayed counter-affidavit filed by the state in connection with a batch of petitions concerning a prime 5.11-acre land parcel in Kondapur.
Court's Stern Directive and Final Deadline
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin, expressed clear displeasure at the government's failure to file its responses on time. Despite being granted a final opportunity back in October, the state's counsels once again sought more time during the hearing. The court, however, has now drawn a firm line.
While granting an additional three weeks to submit the counter-affidavits, the bench made it unequivocally clear that no affidavit would be accepted by the court registry after January 9, 2026. It further directed that any document inadvertently accepted after this strict deadline must be returned. The cumulative costs, which are expected to exceed Rs 1 lakh, have been ordered to be paid to the Telangana Legal Services Authority.
Case Background and Procedural Orders
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) along with over 20 other petitions. These legal challenges question a Government Order (GO) that is alleged to violate the provisions of the Telangana Religious, Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act concerning the Kondapur land.
To ensure the proceedings move forward systematically, the bench has laid out a detailed timeline. All parties must file their written arguments by January 30, 2026. Furthermore, the Registrar (Judicial-I) has been instructed to conduct a thorough review of the status of all pleadings and written submissions by the first week of February 2026.
The registrar's task includes organizing all documents with proper page numbering before placing them before the bench for the next phase of hearings. Following these directives, the court adjourned the matter.
Implications and Judicial Message
This order sends a strong message about judicial accountability and the importance of adhering to court-mandated timelines, especially for government bodies. The imposition of significant costs is a tool to deter further delays and ensure that the legal process is not hampered by procedural lapses.
The case highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny over land dealings and administrative orders in Telangana. The court's firm stance underscores its commitment to ensuring that all parties, including the state, participate in the judicial process with due diligence and respect for established procedures.
