Telangana HC refuses to interfere in Velugumatla demolitions

The Telangana High Court refused to grant interim relief against demolitions on Bhoodan lands in Khammam district, dismissing an appeal at the admission stage and noting the State’s submission on rehabilitation and infrastructure support for displaced persons

Hyderabad: Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Gadi Praveen Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Monday declined to interfere with a single judge’s refusal to grant interim relief against the demolition drive on Bhoodan lands in Velugumatla village of Khammam district, dismissing the appeal at the threshold stage.

The Division Bench was hearing an appeal filed by petitioners challenging the order dated March 25, by which a single judge had refused to stay the ongoing demolitions. The Bench found no grounds to intervene and dismissed the appeal at the stage of admission itself. The appellants argued that the demolition exercise pertained to Bhoodan lands and that the State could not exercise authority over such lands except in accordance with the Telangana Bhoodan and Gramdhan Act, 1965.

---

They contended that various government departments lacked jurisdiction to issue proceedings in January 2026, pursuant to which large-scale demolitions were carried out. It was further submitted that the balance of convenience was in favour of the petitioners and warranted interim protection. According to them, nearly 1,000 houses were demolished, whereas only 311 pattas were granted, including to individuals who were not among those displaced. They also alleged that pattas were issued under an inapplicable statutory framework and that subsequent allotments to third parties had created competing interests on the land.

The appellants additionally took exception to the manner in which the single judge had proceeded, contending that reliance was placed on written instructions of the authorities instead of a formal affidavit, and that interim relief was declined on the ground of administrative inconvenience.

Opposing the appeal, the State submitted that a detailed enquiry had been conducted by the revenue authorities, following which rehabilitation measures were undertaken. It was informed that house sites and Indiramma houses had already been allotted to 311 persons within the Bhoodan land itself, while 101 beneficiaries were provided houses in their respective villages.

The State further apprised the Court that basic infrastructure, including roads, drinking water, drainage systems, and electricity, was being developed in the layouts. Financial assistance of Rs.1 lakh per beneficiary was also being extended through Self Help Groups on a reimbursement basis. Taking note of the submissions and the stage of the proceedings, the Division Bench declined to interfere with the single judge’s order and dismissed the appeal, leaving the issues to be adjudicated in the pending proceedings.