Telangana HC seeks state reply on IDPL land dispute

The Telangana High Court sought the state's response to IDPL's challenge against the takeover of 891.38 acres of land allotted for industrial purposes in Balanagar.

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Monday, June 22, issued notices to the state government seeking an explanation over its decision to take possession of 891.38 acres of land allotted to Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL) for industrial purposes.

Justice NV Shravan Kumar directed the state authorities to file detailed counters and adjourned the matter to July 13 for further hearing.

Petition filed by IDPL challenges 2008 govt order

The case pertains to a petition filed by IDPL challenging a 2008 government order relating to the takeover of land allotted to the public sector pharmaceutical company in Balanagar, Qutbullapur mandal of Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

Appearing for IDPL, Additional Solicitor General B Narasimha Sharma argued that the land had been transferred to the company through a registered conveyance deed executed on February 8, 1994, making IDPL the lawful owner of the property. He contended that the state government had no authority to resume or take back the land.

The counsel further submitted that a portion of the land had subsequently been transferred to the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in accordance with directions issued by the Central government.

State govt’s opposes petition

Representing the state government, Advocate General A Sudarshan Reddy opposed the petition. He argued that the land had been resumed because it was allotted for industrial purposes but was later leased out, allegedly violating the conditions under which it was granted.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the court directed the state government to place complete details of the matter on record and file its counter-affidavit before the next date of hearing.

The case will come up for further consideration on July 13.