Telangana HC Reserves Verdict On PIL Challenging Land Allotment To Director Shankar

The PIL petitioner raised concerns about the allocation, as the land was reportedly valued at around Rs 5 crore per acre, but was allotted to the director for Rs 5 lakh per acre.

Telangana High Court

Source : ABP Desam

The Telangana High Court has concluded the hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the allotment of land to film director N. Shankar. The court has scheduled the issuance of its orders on July 7.

In 2019, the state government allotted 5 acres of land to N. Shankar in Mokila village, Rangareddy district, near Hyderabad, to establish a film studio. The PIL petitioner raised concerns about the allocation, as the land was reportedly valued at around Rs 5 crore per acre, but was allotted to the director for Rs 5 lakh per acre.

According to a IANS report, the state government defended its decision by stating that the land allotment aligns with government policy. It argued that offering land to film studios and personalities at reduced costs is a common practice. The government assured the court that the allocation was made after evaluating the legitimacy of the applicant, the necessity for a film studio near Hyderabad, and the recommendation from the State Film Development Corporation.

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The municipal administration secretary, Arvind Kumar, submitted a counter-affidavit to the court, stating that the land was allotted after N. Shankar deposited Rs. 5 crore and committed to investing Rs 50 crore to establish a modern studio capable of producing complete films and advertisements that highlight the journey of the new state. The director also pledged to provide employment opportunities, including daily employment for 1,000 cine workers, direct employment for 100 individuals, and indirect employment for 200 individuals.

The court was also told that Shankar is a well-known director from the state with 36 years of experience in the film industry. He mentioned that the then-undivided Andhra Pradesh government had agreed to allocate him the land in 2012, but the plan did not materialize.

After hearing arguments from all parties involved, the court has reserved its orders and will announce them on July 7.