HC Halts Construction for Kamma, Kapu, and Velama Communities

The Telangana High Court, led by acting chief justice Sujay Paul and justice Renuka Yara, has temporarily halted construction activities on plots designated for the Kamma, Velama, and Vishwa Balija Kapu associations in Hyderabad's Khanamet, near Madhapur. This area falls under the Serilingampally municipal jurisdiction. The court decreed that existing structures on these lands might be impacted depending on the outcomes of the final judgment and explicitly ordered a stop to any new developments on these properties.

In a significant move, the court has scrutinized the land allocation to upper caste groups, such as Kammas, Kapus, Velamas, and Balijas, by the state government. These lands, situated in prime areas of Hyderabad, were intended for the construction of community buildings for these groups. The halt on construction follows claims that the land was allocated at substantially lower prices than its market value, sparking controversy.

Retired Professor Vinayak Reddy and advocate Sunkara Naresh raised concerns over these allocations through Public Interest Litigations (PILs). They contested the government's decision, arguing that it favored wealthy caste-based associations by offering land at nominal rates. Their counsel pointed out the disparity between the government's valuation of the land, pegged at Rs 50 crore per acre, and its actual market price, which is considerably higher.

In response to these allegations, the High Court demanded an explanation from the government and postponed the hearing until March 7. This scrutiny comes after the then Bharat Rashtra Samithi government issued Government Orders (GOs) in 2021, earmarking five acres for the Kamma and Velama associations and over six acres for the Vishwabaliija Kapu association in Khanamet. These allocations have been challenged for favoring specific caste groups, amidst claims these communities are among the wealthiest in the state.

Adding to the legal proceedings, the High Court, earlier in 2023, temporarily stopped the government from allocating land to the Velamas and Kammas for building community Bhavans. Although this stay was eventually lifted, it underscored the ongoing legal scrutiny over land allocations to caste-based organizations in Telangana.

The court's interim orders, prohibiting further construction on the allocated lands, underscore a significant judicial intervention in land distribution politics in Telangana. This decision aligns with the broader legal and social debate over the equitable distribution of resources among diverse social groups. The final verdict, pending further hearings, will likely have far-reaching implications for land allocation policies and practices in the state.