Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Telangana Land Survey Dispute Involving MLAs
The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday declined to interfere in a contentious land survey dispute centered in Jeedimetla village, which involves prominent political figures from Telangana. The case concerns BRS MLA and former minister Ch Malla Reddy and his son-in-law, Marri Rajasekhar Reddy, who is the MLA representing Malkajgiri.
Court Observes Survey Process Already Completed
A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and NV Anjaria refused to grant any relief to the petitioners, holding that no judicial interference was warranted at this stage. The court noted that the land survey had already been conducted in accordance with the orders issued by the Telangana High Court.
The dispute revolves around a 1.29-acre parcel of land located in Jeedimetla, within the Quthbullapur mandal of Medchal Malkajgiri district. At the heart of the controversy are competing claims over specific portions of this land, including an area of 33 guntas that is claimed by a software employee.
Background of the Legal Battle
Ch Malla Reddy, along with his son Ch Mahender Reddy and Marri Rajasekhar Reddy, who assert ownership of the land, had opposed the survey proceedings. They cited an ongoing civil dispute regarding the title and possession of the property as grounds for their objection.
Earlier, a single judge of the Telangana High Court had permitted the survey to proceed. Dissatisfied with this decision, Malla Reddy approached a division bench of the same court. However, on February 2, the division bench dismissed the plea that sought to stall the survey process.
Challenging the division bench's order, the family subsequently moved the Supreme Court, seeking to set aside the High Court's decision and halt the survey proceedings entirely.
Supreme Court's Rationale and Disposal
During the hearing, the Supreme Court took note of the fact that the survey had already been completed as per the directions of the High Court. In view of this development, the court stated it was not inclined to interfere with the impugned orders.
However, the court granted liberty to the Malla Reddy family to challenge the survey proceedings if they believe the survey was not conducted in accordance with the norms stipulated under the Survey and Settlement Act. Following this observation, the Supreme Court disposed of the matter.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's reluctance to intervene in processes that have already been executed, especially when they align with prior court directives. The case highlights the complex interplay between land ownership disputes, political influence, and legal procedures in Telangana.
