The Telangana High Court on Monday directed private companies to file counter-affidavits regarding the allocation of temple land and other parcels in Sitarampur, located in Shabad mandal of Ranga Reddy district. These lands were allegedly granted to them at nominal prices.
Court Proceedings
A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin issued the directions while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Perala Shekhar Rao. The PIL challenges the acquisition of 1,148 acres in Sitarampur.
The petitioner's counsel argued that acquiring temple land under the Land Acquisition Act is invalid and subject to judicial review. He claimed the land was allocated to TGIIC with the approval of the endowments department.
Key Arguments
Petitioner's Submission: The counsel submitted, “Government departments cannot approve the acquisition of temple lands. They should only be held in trust. If needed, the lands should be auctioned, and the proceeds should be allocated for temple development only.”
He further alleged that despite the land's value running into crores, TGIIC allocated it for just ₹30 lakh — half of which was given to the temple and the rest distributed to encroachers.
State's Response: Countering this, Additional Advocate General T Rajanikanth Reddy, representing the state, told the court that the acquisition process was complete and compensation of ₹178 crore had already been paid. “The government has introduced a land acquisition policy as part of industrial development, and allocations were made accordingly,” he informed the bench.
Private Company's Argument: Senior counsel K Vivek Reddy, representing one of the private companies, Olectra Greentech Limited, argued that companies have been established on the allocated land, providing employment to hundreds.
Next Steps
The court has directed the private companies to file their counters, and the matter is scheduled for further hearing.
