Revenue Authorities Fined For Lackadaisical Approach In Not Filing Counter Affidavits
The judge observed that the petitioner approached the Court with unclean hands and accordingly dismissed the writ petition
Hyderabad: Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti of the Telangana High Court came down heavily on the revenue authorities and imposed costs of five thousand rupees for their lackadaisical approach in not filing counter affidavits and failing to comply with the directions of the court. The judge is dealing with a writ plea filed by Pitchakuntla Hanumantha Rao and others challenging inaction of revenue authorities in issuing appropriate proceedings certifying that the land admeasuring about 5 acres at Thimmapur village of Kothuru Mandal, Mahabubnagar District as the patta land. During the hearing, the Court observed that orders passed earlier were not complied with, even in contempt proceedings. Justice Anil observed that the respondents failed to file counters within the stipulated time or seek permission for the delay, reflecting disregard for writ rules 12A and the procedural discipline under the Code of Civil Procedure. The Judge further noted that, despite repeated opportunities, the concerned officer did not even seek special leave or place a counter affidavit on record. The Court took a serious view of what it termed as frivolous and casual conduct, particularly on the part of the Tahsildar, Kothuru Mandal. The judge directed the respondents to pay the costs to the petitioners.
