HC stays land acquisition

The Hyderabad High Court has directed revenue officials of Siddipet district to maintain status quo with regard to acquisition of land in Yetigadda Kishtapur and Mamidyal villages for construction of the Mallannasagar reservoir till further orders.

Justice A. Ramalingeswara Rao was dealing with two separate petitions filed by Mr Vattem Raji Reddy and 15 others of Yetigadda Kishtapur and Mr Vanteru Devi Reddy and 20 others of Mamidyal challenging the notifications issued for acquiring their land for the construction of the reservoir as part of the Kaleswaram lift irrigation scheme.

Ms B. Rachana Reddy, counsel appearing for one of the petitioners, said the authorities had issued preliminary notifications without providing an opportunity for personal hearing to the landowners that was mandatory under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

She urged the court to direct the authorities to conduct a personal hearing as mandated under Section 15(2), provisions of Section 16, 17 and 18 of the Act 2013.

She sought a direction for revision and updating of market values of the notified land in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Revision of Market Value Guidelines Rules 1998.

While issuing notices to the respondents, the judge directed the authorities to maintain status quo.

Jagan seeks exemption

Hyderabad: YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday filed a petition before the special court for CBI cases seeking exemption from attending the court every Friday.

Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy said he was going on a padayatra across Andhra Pradesh for which he needed the exemption.

The court adjourned the hearing to Friday next week.

Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy is appearing before the court on Fridays in connection with the disproportionate assets case registered against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, YSRC Rajya Sabha member Vijay Sai Reddy and industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad are also accused in the case.