In 2010, the Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled the GoMs facilitating land allotments unlawful, ordering the land’s restoration to the government. It also required future allotments to follow proper procedures, ensuring transparency and eligibility verification
Published Nov 25, 2024 | 8:46 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 25, 2024 | 8:46 PM
Supreme Court (iStock)
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India cancelled all government orders (GOs) issued by the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government that allocated land to Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), IAS officers, former judges, and journalists.
The court further ruled that cooperative societies that had received land allotments under these GOs are entitled to a full refund of the amounts they had deposited.
The judgment resolves a series of appeals concerning the allocation of land parcels within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits.
These allotments were made to cooperative societies that included members from various categories such as MPs, MLAs, All India Services officers, judges, state government employees, defence personnel, journalists, and individuals from weaker sections of society.
The issue stemmed from a series of state government memoranda (GoMs) issued by the then Andhra Pradesh government in 2005, which facilitated land allotments for housing and other purposes.
The High Court of Andhra Pradesh had earlier ruled in 2010 that the GoMs allowing these allotments were unlawful, ordering that the land be restored to the government. It also mandated that any future land allotments must be made following proper procedures, ensuring transparency and eligibility verification.
The Supreme Court’s decision upholds the High Court’s stance, affirming that land allocations must comply with constitutional principles of equality and fairness.
The court emphasised that before any fresh allotments can be made, the state must ensure full disclosure of the beneficiaries, require affidavits of eligibility, and make this information publicly available on its website.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
