The Telangana High Court has directed the state government to stop demolitions and other coercive revenue action on properties involved in pending court disputes during the Dussehra vacation from October 17 to 25, protecting litigants from action while the court remains closed.
Justice NV Shravan Kumar ordered the principal secretary of the revenue department to instruct all district collectors and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) not to take coercive steps against such properties during the vacation. Authorities can, however, issue notices to the parties concerned in accordance with the law.
The court also ordered that status quo be maintained on the property involved in the case before it. The directions were issued while hearing a lunch motion petition filed by Seelam Leelavathi of Khammam district.
The court took note of a special mention by the Telangana High Court Advocates Association, which expressed concern that revenue authorities could take what it described as high-handed action against disputed lands and demolish structures despite pending legal claims. Members of the Bar submitted that such action during the vacation could leave affected parties with limited opportunity to seek timely legal remedies.
“The present case appears to be one such case which has been taken up for hearing by way of lunch motion,” the court observed. It added that, in such circumstances, appropriate orders were necessary to safeguard the interests of parties at large.
Leelavathi’s petition alleges that revenue officials were attempting to dispossess her by demolishing a cattle shed on her land at Chinthagudem village in Penuballi mandal of Khammam district without serving notice. The land covers about two acres across three survey numbers. Her counsel told the court that she was the owner and relied on pattadar passbooks, records on the Dharani portal and electricity bills in her late husband’s name.
The counsel further alleged that a village revenue officer, accompanied by villagers and the husband of a local MLA, visited the property on October 12 and threatened to demolish the cattle shed. The structure, according to the petition, has existed for more than two decades. These allegations have been placed before the court and remain part of the pending proceedings.
The order places a temporary restraint on coercive action in litigated land matters during the court vacation, while preserving the administration’s ability to issue notices under the law. It also underscores the importance of maintaining access to judicial remedies when property disputes remain unresolved and the regular court schedule is interrupted.
The advocates association welcomed the direction, saying the intervention reinforced access to justice, the rule of law and the constructive role of the Bar in bringing matters of public concern before the judiciary. The revenue department has been directed to place its stand on record, and the case will next be heard on November 12.
