Telangana HC slams govt over delay in land dispute

HYDERABAD: The Telangana high court expressed strong discontent at the state govt's inordinate delay in responding to petitions for registration of lands measuring about 1,652 acres in Manikonda Jagir village, describing it as a classic example of bureaucratic apathy and judicial delay.Justice Jukanti Anil Kumar on Thursday remarked that it was impossible to dispose of such pending cases when the govt itself remained nonresponsive. He noted that the state, despite repeated opportunities, sat on the petitions without filing counter-affidavits for nearly four years. Justice Anil Kumar clarified that the HC would not allow more than three adjournments in such matters. It noted that it was forced to summon advocate general A Sudershan Reddy to clarify the govt's position on whether certain lands were on the prohibitory list, as the govt failed to file counter-affidavits despite multiple adjournments.When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, neither the AG nor any govt representative was present. The bench observed that such indifference was unacceptable. Later, the AG appeared before the bench and urged the court to grant one final opportunity to file counters. The bench granted the state one last opportunity to file counters.