The 4,731-acre land allocation to Krishna Patnam Infratech Private Limited (KIPL) has once again come before the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The court questioned the state government over its failure to file a counter affidavit in a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the allocation of the land for the development of an industrial park.
PIL Seeks Recovery of 4,731 Acres
The PIL was filed by N. Muneendra Reddy of Gudur, seeking cancellation of the land allocation made to KIPL and the recovery of the land by the government.
According to the petition, around 4,731 acres of land in the Krishna Patnam SEZ area were allotted to KIPL through sale deeds across several villages. The petitioner argued that the proposed industrial park had not been developed as intended and sought the government to take back the land.
High Court Questions Delay in Counter Affidavit
The state government was required to file its response in the case, but the counter affidavit has been delayed.
The High Court had already granted the government a final opportunity on August 25 to submit its counter. When the government sought more time again, the bench expressed its displeasure over the continued delay.
The court directed the authorities to file the counter affidavit before the next hearing.
Rs 7,000 Costs Imposed on Official
Taking note of the delay, the High Court imposed costs of Rs 7,000 on the concerned official.
The court directed that the amount be recovered from the official’s pocket and deposited with the Legal Services Authority. The government was also instructed to ensure that its counter is filed by the next hearing.
The case has been posted for further hearing on November 12.
KIPL Points to Earlier Court Order
During the hearing, counsel appearing for KIPL reportedly brought another important development to the court’s attention.
The counsel stated that a single judge had earlier quashed the government’s September 11, 2024 orders cancelling the sale deeds related to the land.
The appeals filed against those orders are also scheduled to be heard on November 12, according to the submissions made before the court.
Land Allocation Under Legal Scrutiny
The case raises questions over the allocation, utilisation and development of 4,731 acres in the Krishna Patnam SEZ area.
The government is now expected to explain its position through the counter affidavit, particularly on the land allocation, the development of the proposed industrial park and the circumstances surrounding the attempted cancellation and recovery of the land.
Political criticism has also emerged around the KIPL land issue. Some groups have alleged links between the company and political interests. However, those allegations have not been independently established at this stage.
For now, the key issue before the High Court is the government’s delay in filing its response.
What Happens Next?
The government’s counter affidavit could provide important details about the 4,731-acre KIPL land allocation, the status of the industrial park and the legal basis for the government’s actions concerning the land.
The next hearing on November 12 is therefore expected to be significant in determining how the land dispute proceeds.
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