Telangana High Court faults preliminary report against Eatala

The judge observed that the action of the authorities in making an order on Friday and completing the enquiry by Monday was seemingly suspicious.

Hyderabad: Justice T Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday faulted the preliminary report of the government authorities on the properties of ex-Minister Eatala Rajender.

Based on a petition and request by family members of Rajender for urgent hearing of the matter, a house motion was granted for a hearing through virtual mode. The judge observed that the action of the authorities in making an order on Friday and completing the enquiry by Monday was seemingly suspicious. “Under which law is the District Collector empowered to enter any land without giving any notice? Why have you opted back-door when you can conduct the same inquiry by following the law?” Justice Vinod Kumar questioned.

The case of the petitioner is that they are in possession of 59 acre of land at Hakimpet, Medak district. Claiming that the lands were obtained from original pattadars, the petitioner complained about the illegal entry of the authorities into their property without any notice.

The Advocate General informed the judge that the report submitted by the authorities was only a preliminary report. He argued that it did not call for taking any action. The Advocate General also opposed granting any relief.

Referring to the same, the petitioner contended that the actions of the government authorities were absolutely illegal. The petitioner further pointed out that in the hurry to write a report against the petitioner, the officer of District Collector rank admitted that a detailed survey was conducted without considering the fact that they violated procedure.

“The said action and report of the authorities is a serious violation of principles of natural justice and the Telangana Land Revenue Act,” Justice Vinod Kumar said. “The May 1 preliminary enquiry report does not have any bearing. Any enquiry or action in future shall be done strictly in accordance with procedures laid down under the law by giving reasonable time to the petitioners”, the judge added.

The judge directed the government not to interfere with the property of the petitioner. The judge will continue to hear the matter on July 06.