In a significant ruling emphasizing the sanctity of educational infrastructure, the Telangana High Court has ordered the removal of illegal constructions to reclaim a playground for a government school in Kamareddy district. The court issued strict, time-bound directives to restore the land to its intended purpose.
Court Stresses Playground as 'Indispensable' for Holistic Education
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G M Mohiuddin, delivered its verdict on December 18, 2025. The bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by residents of Muthyampet village. The petitioners alleged that a local couple, Muthagari Roja and her husband Muthagari Shirish Goud (a former upa-sarpanch), had illegally encroached upon 2.11 acres of land. This land was donated decades ago specifically for the playground of the Zilla Parishad High School.
The court made a powerful observation, stating that a "school playground is not a spare or optional facility, but an indispensable component of the educational ecosystem." It highlighted that such spaces are integral to the holistic development of students, going beyond mere physical activity to encompass social and cognitive growth.
Decades of Records Expose Fraudulent Encroachment
The court's decision was firmly rooted in a thorough examination of official documents. It found that revenue records from 1968-69 to 2015-16 consistently identified the disputed land as belonging to the "Government School" or "Educational Institution." In stark contrast, the respondent, Roja, failed to produce any credible documentation proving lawful ownership.
The investigation revealed a trail of administrative misconduct and fraudulent actions:
- No entries were found in the Gram Panchayat's inward registers regarding the construction.
- No online applications or valid permission orders were ever issued for the buildings erected by Roja.
- Building plans were illegally prepared by an unauthorized surveyor.
- The junior panchayat secretary, Raj Kumar, bypassed mandatory approvals from the district town and country planning officer.
The court noted that the Kamareddy District Collector had already declared the building permissions "void ab initio" (void from the beginning) on February 23, 2023, after finding they were obtained through collusion and misrepresentation.
Strict Timelines Set for Demolition and Restoration
The High Court issued specific orders to ensure swift corrective action and accountability:
- The District Collector and relevant authorities must ensure the demolition of all unauthorized constructions, including shops, within 12 weeks. The entire cost is to be recovered from Roja as arrears of land revenue.
- The authorities must demarcate the 2.11-acre plot and construct a protective compound wall around it within 12 months, submitting a compliance report to the court.
- The Principal Secretary of the Panchayat Raj Department must initiate disciplinary action against the then Panchayat Secretary Raj Kumar for issuing fraudulent certificates and permissions, reporting back within six months.
This ruling serves as a strong precedent for protecting public assets meant for education. It underscores the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law against encroachment and administrative collusion, ensuring that vital community resources like school playgrounds are preserved for future generations.
