Telangana High Court expresses displeasure over compensation delay in land acquisition case

Telangana High Court pulled up the State for delaying Rs 45 crore compensation to landowners in Jogulamba Gadwal district. Justice NV Shravan Kumar termed the explanation inadequate and directed the concerned official to appear, granting a final opportunity for compliance

Hyderabad: Justice NV Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court expressed strong displeasure over the State’s handling of compensation payments in a land acquisition case, observing that affected landowners cannot be left waiting indefinitely, even decades after losing their property.

The observations came while hearing a contempt case initiated by Kurva Veeresamma and others, who alleged that the authorities had deliberately failed to comply with the Court’s April 2025 directions to deposit nearly Rs 45 crore within four months.

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According to the petitioners, their agricultural lands in Jogulamba Gadwal district were taken for a reservoir project under the Jawahar Lift Irrigation Scheme, but only about Rs 10 crore was paid so far. An attempt was made by the authorities to excuse the personal appearance of the Principal Secretary, Finance, by filing an affidavit stating that the remaining dues would be cleared depending on “ways and means”.

The Court, however, found this explanation inadequate, pointing out that it did not indicate any definite schedule for payment. Justice Shravan Kumar noted that the respondents had been repeatedly seeking time on varying grounds without complying with the Court’s directions, reflecting a pattern of non-compliance.

Viewing the conduct seriously, the Court granted a final opportunity and directed the official concerned to appear in person. The matter was posted for further hearing on Monday.