Telangana HC Summons Endowments Commissioner Over Devarayamjal Temple Land Records

Hyderabad: Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti of the Telangana High Court directed the Commissioner of the Telangana endowments department to personally appear before the court on the next hearing date with the complete original record of Sri Seetharama Swamy temple lands, from 1926 to the present day. The temple is located in Devarayamjal village of Medchal-Malkajgiri district. The court asked for all Original Applications and supporting material showing the extent and nature of the temple lands.

The judge was hearing a batch of writ petitions challenging the categorisation of certain private lands as temple endowment properties and seeking permission for registration of these lands, which the petitioners claim are private patta lands. The petitioners also challenged a memo dated September 25, 2014 issued by the Commissioner and Inspector General of Registrations and Stamps to the sub-registrar of Shameerpet, Medchal-Malkajgiri district. They contend that the memo was illegal, arbitrary, unconstitutional and contrary to the Endowments Act and the Registration Act, and argue that it caused the sub-registrar to refuse registration and release of documents relating to lands in Devarayamjal village.

The court expressed displeasure that an earlier order dated August 11, 2015, passed by a Single Judge and specifically referring to the filing of Original Applications before the Endowments Department, was not brought to the notice of the present Bench by any party. The court termed this lapse unfortunate, noting that such omissions hinder proper adjudication of property rights and statutory compliance.

The Commissioner has been directed to produce the full historical record on November 27. The court made it clear that failure to produce the complete set of documents may invite further action.