Telangana High Court Grants BRS Three Weeks to File Counter-Affidavits in Land Allotment Case
The Telangana High Court on Monday granted the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party three weeks' time to file its counter-affidavits in two separate public interest litigations (PILs) challenging the allotment of 11 acres of government land in Kokapet, Hyderabad, in 2023.
Court's Stern Warning and Hearing Details
A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin heard the PILs filed by the Forum for Good Governance, an NGO, and city-based advocate A Venkatarami Reddy. The bench explicitly stated that "three weeks' time is granted as a last indulgence (chance) to file counters," emphasizing this was a final opportunity. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing following this deadline.
Allegations in the Petitions
The petitions challenge the allocation of 11 acres of prime government land at Kokapet, a high-value location in Hyderabad, to the BRS for establishing an excellence training and personal development centre. The petitioners have made serious allegations, claiming the allotment was:
- Absolutely for political purpose and not for the benefit of any common man
- Arbitrary, discriminatory, illegal, unjust, and unfair
- Unreasonable, ex facie, unilateral, and whimsical
- Without application of mind and unconstitutional
They have sought cancellation of the allotment and a thorough investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau into the matter.
Legal Proceedings and Arguments
During the hearing, the state government informed the court that it had already filed its counters in the matter. However, the BRS counsel argued that the state filed its counters only two weeks ago and requested an additional four weeks' time to submit the party's counter-affidavits. This request came after the high court had granted the state government a last opportunity in December 2025 to submit its counter-affidavit.
The BRS counsel described the PILs as "politically motivated and lacking any public interest." He contended that the petitioners had selectively targeted BRS while not challenging similar allotments made to the current ruling dispensation, the Congress party. The counsel also presented a precedent from the Supreme Court in a similar matter to support his arguments.
Court's Strong Response
Responding to these submissions, the bench made a significant observation, noting that "two wrongs do not make a right." The bench pointed out that the counsel had already entered appearance in the cases and sought time on several previous occasions. "You already entered appearance (in the matters) and sought time on several occasions previously," the bench remarked.
Despite the counsel's request for four weeks, the bench granted only three weeks and adjourned the matter for further hearing. This decision underscores the court's insistence on timely proceedings while allowing the BRS a final opportunity to present its defense.
Background and Implications
The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of land allotments in Telangana, particularly concerning allegations of political favoritism. Kokapet is considered a prime real estate location in Hyderabad, making the allotment of 11 acres of government land a significant matter of public interest. The court's stern warning and limited time grant indicate its seriousness in addressing these allegations while ensuring due process.
The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how government land is allocated in the state and the legal standards applied to such decisions. With the state government having already filed its counters and the BRS now given a final deadline, the next hearing is anticipated to be crucial in determining the future of this contested land allotment.
