Lekha G
The Telangana High Court ordered the State Government not to take any action against petitioners S Satyanarayana Reddy and four others who pleaded for a direction to put a stay in the inquiry into how they came in possession of lands belonging to Sitarama Swamy Temple at Devarayanajal village in Shamirpet Mandal in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
Considering the petition, the Court expressed surprise over the swiftness of the government with which it had constituted a committee with four IAS Officers to inquire into the allegations of encroachment of temple lands at a time of a raging pandemic.
However, the Advocate General contented that only a preliminary inquiry was conducted and only after a detailed inquiry action would be taken.
He further said that the government had no intention of razing any structures that have come up on the lands.
However, the Court asked the government to issue notices even for preliminary inquiry and asked those facing the allegations to cooperate with the government as it conducts the probe.
The Court further directed the government and the Endowments Department to file a detailed counter on the issue.
The State Government along with ordering inquiry into encroachment of temples also quoted newspapers stating that a large portion of land worth INR 1000 crore had been occupied by former Minister Eatala Rajender and a few others.
“Besides gravely hurting the sentiments of the devotees and donors, it is alleged that these actions constitute grave violations of several laws in force”, said the Chief Secretary in the Order.