HC Directs Govt, Depts to Reply to PILs Challenging Podu Land Pattas

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the state government, forest and environment department, tribal welfare department, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Union departments of forest and environment and tribal welfare to file counters within four weeks over PILs challenging the Telangana state government’s decision to issue pattas to around 11.5 lakh podu land dwellers.

Two PILs were filed in this regard.  

On March 13, the High Court issued notices to all government authorities to file their counters by June 22. At that time, the court was not inclined to issue stay orders on the government's decision.  

However, the court directed the government to strictly follow the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, as well as the rules framed thereunder while implementing its decision.

The court, once again, directed the authorities to file counters and adjourned the PILs to August 1.