Summary: A 71-year-old farmer's request to be recognized as the owner of land in a restricted area was turned down due to legal rules and mistakes in how she applied.
Son Kamble Takku Bai, a 71-year-old farmer from Bursanpatar Village, said she owned a piece of land that was 2 acres and 10 guntas in size. She believed this land belonged to her family for generations and wanted her name officially listed as the owner. Despite trying, including making a formal request on October 18, 2024, the officials did not act on her application.
The lawyer for the state explained that the land is in a restricted area. According to the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Areas Land Transfer Regulation (APSALTR) Act of 1959, and its update in 1970, people who are not from tribal communities, like Son Kamble Takku Bai, cannot own land in these areas. Even though she made claims, she only had documents for one year (2010-2011) and didn't have other important papers.
"The person asking for land ownership is not from a tribal community, so she can't get ownership documents for the land."
The court noticed that Son Kamble Takku Bai turned in her application on paper instead of online, which is required by the Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 2020. The new Bhu Bharati Act, 2025, was also mentioned, but her application was made before it was in effect. Not following the right steps was one reason her request was turned down.
Justice K. Lakshman turned down the request, saying that Son Kamble Takku Bai was not allowed to own the land under the APSALTR Act and made mistakes in how she applied. However, the court said she could try other legal ways to make her claim.
"No matter how you look at it, this request has to be turned down."
In this case, while Son Kamble Takku Bai's request was not approved, the court allowed her to look for other ways to support her claim. This situation shows how complicated land ownership rules can be in restricted areas and how important it is to follow the right steps when applying.
