Telangana HC orders action against wrong tax officials

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the state government to initiate disciplinary action against revenue authorities concerned for being complacent in acquiring land for construction of Shivanna Gudem balancing reservoir at Khudabakshpally village of Marriguda mandal in district Nalgonda.

The order was issued by Justice Tadakamalla Vinod Kumar while dealing with a petition filed by Ralla Srinivasa Chary, who approached the court seeking compensation for the land that was being acquired for the project.

When the state counsel informed the court that the petitioner had started construction with the permission of the gram panchayat and mandal authorities on the land even after the government issued the acquisition notification, the judge expressed his anger and asked how come The authorities could approve construction when the notification prohibits any transaction on said land.

Ordering the state to file an affidavit on the action taken against the authorities, the judge fixed the hearing after three weeks. The government’s lawyer informed the court that Chary started building on the land after the acquisition notice was issued and has now filed a suit in the High Court challenging the acquisition.

The judge also asked the state’s attorney why the state is not taking action against officials who made mistakes. “Everything here started after the notification was issued. You should tell us what action has been initiated against them for creating this mess. We will not let these officers go without strict punishments. The panchayat secretary, tahsildar, and all those involved must face legal action,” the judge said.

The court directed the State to inform the court about the proceedings against the offending officials, while maintaining that the petitioner cannot claim compensation in the matter.