HYDERABAD: On Wednesday, the Telangana High Court denied an interim relief to prevent the sale, registration, or alienation of over 400 acres of land in Kukatpally associated with GOCL Corporation, Hinduja Estates, Squarespace Infra City, Honor Homes, and other private entities. The court stipulated that any transactions related to these disputed properties would depend on the final ruling of the case.
Justice NV Shravan Kumar instructed the state government and relevant departments to submit their official responses within three weeks and postponed the case for further hearings.
The court’s decision follows a writ petition by businessman Chinthala Srinivas Reddy from Boduppal, who claims extensive irregularities in the transfer of government land into private ownership, allegedly facilitated by both revenue officials and private parties.
Petitioner’s counsel Pasham Krishna Reddy argued that the land, if auctioned by the government, could potentially generate a revenue of hundreds of crores, significantly boosting state finances. He further stated that portions of the land, originally designated for a knowledge park for GOCL, had been repurposed for residential developments—including luxury villas and high-rise buildings.
“Companies like TCS and Infosys are operating on land allotted to them on the outskirts, providing employment to thousands. However, this company, which received land in 2009 in the city’s core, has made no progress,” he asserted.
The counsel added that sections of the disputed land had been seized by the Enforcement Directorate over a money laundering investigation, yet were reportedly cleared for sale to multiple buyers.
Furthermore, the petitioner alleged that current and former collectors of Medchal Malkajgiri district, along with local revenue officials, misused their positions, resulting in a loss of approximately ₹500 crore to the government from unpaid stamp duties and other required fees.
“They are also reportedly in the process of clearing over 100 acres of forest adjacent to a 700-acre woodland,” the petitioner claimed.
Seeking a comprehensive investigation into the involved officials, the petitioner requested the court to suspend all transactions related to the land.
Attorneys representing the state government and the private entities contested the allegations, asserting that all land allotments, registrations, and transactions are appropriately documented and legally valid. They requested time to file thorough responses and opposed any temporary stay.
After considering the arguments, Justice Shravan Kumar decided against granting interim relief and directed the respondents to file their replies within three weeks. He clarified that any transactions conducted in the interim would remain subject to the final verdict of the case.
