HMDA seeks legal view on refunds
At that time, the land rate was pegged at Rs 11 crore per acre, but it has touched nearly Rs 20 crore per acre now.
Hyderabad: After winning the long pending Kokapet lands case in Supreme Court, the HMDA is exploring all legal options on the refund case involving a few corporate companies and the urban body that is set for hearing on October 10 in the apex court.
HMDA chief T. Chiranjeevulu said that few companies like DLF and My Home that took part in auctions had sued the urban body for trying to sell lands with title in the dispute. The auction was held for 166 acres and HMDA was paid nearly Rs 670 crore of the total Rs 1,760 crore, he said.
“The case is being heard in the Supreme Court. With the title case coming in favour of HMDA, we are taking legal opinion to present our arguments.
While the companies demanded that the urban body refund the entire amount of Rs 670 crore plus nine per cent interest as penalty for conducting auctions, we argued before the court that land belonged to the urban body and hence auctions were held,” he said.
The case pertains to land rates prevailing 10 years ago. If the court cancels the process, HMDA has no option but to go for a fresh auction. At that time, the land rate was pegged at Rs 11 crore per acre, but it has touched nearly Rs 20 crore per acre now.