Lothukunta case: 219 days late, land still disputed
The Supreme Court dismissed Telangana’s delayed challenge on limitation. It did not decide who owns the 40 acres.
The court dismissed the delayed challenge; the disputed boundary remains to be measured.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the Telangana government’s challenge in the Lothukunta land dispute after the appeal was filed 219 days late, according to reports quoting HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath. The normal limitation period was 90 days. The court’s door closed on delay; it did not hand ownership to anyone.
The dispute covers about 40 acres in Survey Nos. 1 and 2 of Lothukunta. Telangana says the land is part of GLR Survey No. 243, a 119.34-acre government holding. Shanta Sriram Constructions claims the land as private patta property. In a February 2022 order, the Telangana High Court recorded that both sides asserted title and said the identity of the land remained a triable issue. It added: “We make it clear that we have not expressed opinion on merits.” (Telangana High Court order)
Ranganath said GLR 243 must be properly marked on the ground through a survey, and that HYDRAA would consult the government, legal experts and stakeholders. The Congress government’s litigation has therefore produced a procedural setback, while the actual boundary still awaits paperwork’s favourite solution: measuring the land.