In a landmark ruling, the Telangana High Court cancelled the free land allotment to IAMC Hyderabad, citing legal violations and procedural lapses. Learn more about this precedent-setting case involving land law, PILs, and state accountability.

Land Allotment to IAMC Declared Legally Invalid

In a pivotal judgment, the Telangana High Court has revoked the allocation of 3.7 acres of prime land in Raidurg, Hyderabad, previously granted to the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC). The court ruled the government’s decision—issued via a government order in December 2021—as legally untenable and made without proper procedure.

The land, valued at approximately ₹350 crore, was handed over free of cost, triggering a legal challenge and a public interest litigation (PIL) questioning the legality of the grant.

Public Interest Litigation Challenges Land Grant

The case was initiated by lawyer Koti Raghuntha Rao through a PIL. He argued that IAMC, as a private trust, was ineligible to receive land without compensation under the provisions of the Telangana Urban Areas Act, 1975.

The bench, comprising Justices K. Lakshman and K. Sujana, agreed with the petitioner. They highlighted that the land allocation bypassed key requirements, including cabinet approval and standard due diligence procedures. The justices emphasized, “Noble intentions cannot override statutory mandates.”

Court Emphasizes Legal Procedure Over Discretion

Despite IAMC’s influential supporters, including former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, the court concluded that the organization remains a private entity. It ruled that such trusts are not entitled to free land from the state.

The judges cautioned that discretionary powers of the state must be exercised transparently and within the bounds of law—especially in the allocation of public resources like land.

Government Order No. 126 Nullified

The court officially revoked Government Order No. 126, nullifying the land allotment. However, it clarified that the IAMC’s role as a neutral body for dispute resolution would remain unaffected by this decision.

IAMC trustee and former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy responded that IAMC would appeal the verdict in the apex court.

A Win for Transparency and Rule of Law

This judgment sets a powerful precedent in land governance and public accountability. It reinforces that even well-intentioned governmental actions must comply with the law, and discretionary authority should not bypass legal frameworks.

By addressing procedural lapses and prioritizing legality, the Telangana High Court has sent a strong message in support of fairness, transparency, and responsible land allocation.