Hyderabad: Telangana high court has directed the state govt to ensure that no coercive action is taken by revenue authorities against properties involved in pending court disputes during the Dussehra vacation, providing temporary relief to litigants who may otherwise be left without legal recourse while the court remains closed.Justice NV Shravan Kumar ordered the principal secretary, revenue department, to issue instructions to all district collectors and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to refrain from taking coercive steps between Oct 17 and 25.
The court, however, clarified that authorities are free to issue notices to the parties concerned in accordance with the law. It also directed maintenance of status quo with respect to the property involved in the case before it.The directions were issued while hearing a lunch motion petition filed by Seelam Leelavathi of Khammam district. The court also took note of a special mention made by the high court advocates association, which expressed apprehension that revenue authorities could take high-handed action against disputed lands and demolish structures despite pending legal claims.Members of the Bar submitted that any such action during the vacation would leave affected parties with limited scope to seek timely legal remedies.“The present case appears to be one such case which has been taken up for hearing by way of lunch motion,” the court noted, adding: “In such circumstances, this court is of the view that appropriate orders be passed to safeguard the interest of such parties at large.”Welcoming the order, the association’s executive committee expressed gratitude to Justice Shravan Kumar.“This timely intervention reinforces the importance of access to justice, rule of law and the constructive role of the Bar in bringing matters of public concern to the attention of the judiciary,” the executive committee said in a statement.In her petition, Leelavathi alleged that revenue officials were attempting to dispossess her by demolishing a cattle shed on her land at Chinthagudem village in Penuballi mandal of Khammam district without serving any notice. The land, measuring about two acres, is spread across three survey numbers.Her counsel argued that she is the owner of the land and relied on pattadar passbooks, records available on the Dharani portal and electricity bills in her late husband’s name to support the claim.The counsel further alleged that the village revenue officer, accompanied by villagers and the husband of a local MLA, visited the property on Oct 12 and threatened to demolish the cattle shed, which has existed for over two decades.The court directed the revenue department to place its stand on record and adjourned the matter to Nov 12 for further hearing.
