Greenfield Radial Road case: Telangana HC orders status quo on land acquisition process

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court on Friday ordered that the status quo be maintained on the land acquisition process for the proposed Greenfield Radial Road near Raviryala in Ranga Reddy district.

The interim order was issued after 30 landowners challenged the acquisition notification issued in October last year.

Interim relief to landowners

Justice NV Shravan Kumar, hearing the petitions, directed the government not to proceed with taking possession of the petitioners’ lands until the court delivers its final verdict. The bench also made it clear that the ongoing acquisition process would remain subject to the outcome of the case.

Petitioners allege violation of Land Acquisition Norms

Petitioners N. Mounika and 29 others argued that the State violated mandatory procedures in its attempt to acquire 447 acres for the radial road, which aims to connect ORR Exit 13 to the proposed Regional Ring Road.

Senior advocate J. Ramachandra Rao, representing the petitioners, told the court that authorities failed to issue notices, did not examine objections, and moved to take possession of lands, including their 36 acres, without following due process. He said the acquisition proceedings were being rushed through in violation of statutory safeguards.

State claims consent and compensation already given

Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy defended the acquisition, stating that the government had adhered to all legal requirements. He informed the court that most landowners listed under the notification had already consented and received compensation, with payments amounting to Rs 60 crore.

The AG added that the petitioners themselves had participated in the Section 15(1) hearing and that their representations had been examined and resolved. He asserted that the acquisition process was being carried out transparently and in accordance with the law.

Government directed to file counters

After hearing both sides, the court directed the government to submit detailed counter-affidavits. The matter has been posted for further hearing on December 29. Until then, the status quo on the petitioners’ lands will continue.