'Quick' Disposal Of Cases By Innocuous Orders Directing Further Consideration Does Disservice To Cause Of Justice: AP High Court

In this regard, Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao explained,

“This Court is not oblivious of the fact that a Court to authorities, before directing "consideration" of a claim or representation should examine whether the claim or representation is with reference to a "live" issue or whether it is with reference to a "dead" or "stale" issue. If it is with reference to a "dead" or "stale" issue or dispute, the Court/tribunal should put an end to the matter and should not direct consideration or reconsideration. If the Court to Tribunal deciding to direct "consideration" without itself examining the merits, it should make it clear that such consideration will be without prejudice to any contention relating to limitation or delay and laches. Even if the Court does not expressly say so, that would be the legal position and effect.”

Background

The petitioners were landowners from Jonnavaram Village, Kadapa District, who sought the determination of market value and compensation under Section 64 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (2013 Act) for their acquired landed property. In lieu of the same, they submitted representation to the Special Collector (Respondent 3) and the Special Deputy Collector (Respondent 4) dated June 18, 2025. However, the same went unaddressed, compelling the petitioners to approach the High Court by way of a Writ Petition.

In particular, they challenged the action of Respondents 3 and 4 in not addressing their representation as illegal, arbitrary and violative of the 2013 Act as well as Articles 14, 21 and 300-A of the Constitution.

While the Court cautioned that merely ordering authorities to “consider” representations often results in more disservice than service to justice, it nonetheless disposed of the petition by directing the State authorities to consider and examine the petitioners' representation and appropriate issue orders within six weeks.

Case Details:

Case Number: WRIT PETITION No. 20342 of 2025

Case Title: Somisetty Subbarayudu and others v. The State of AP

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