In a recent decision, Judge K. Lakshman addressed the delay in processing a land ownership application by the Mandal Revenue Officer in Telangana. Here's what happened.
The person who brought the case, Chiluveru Nikhil Reddy, says he owns a piece of land in Challuru Village, Telangana. He got this land as a gift from his grandmother back in 2019. The people he's up against include the State of Telangana and several government officials.
Nikhil Reddy applied online to have his name officially recorded as the owner of the land, a process called mutation. Even though he submitted all the necessary documents, including his grandmother's passbook number, the Mandal Revenue Officer (person No. 4) didn't act on his application. Frustrated by the lack of action, Nikhil Reddy took the matter to court.
"Despite receiving and acknowledging the said application, person No.4 did not act upon the same."
Judge K. Lakshman ordered the Mandal Revenue Officer to process Nikhil Reddy's application within 30 days. The officer must either approve the ownership change or provide specific reasons for any refusal. The decision aims to ensure fairness and transparency in handling land records.
"Person No.4 shall complete the said exercise within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order."
The court's directive means that Nikhil Reddy should soon receive a decision on his application. The ruling emphasizes the importance of timely responses from government officials in land-related matters.
This case highlights the need for efficiency and accountability in government processes, ensuring citizens' rights are respected.
