Telangana HC: Public land for schools untouchable

The Telangana High Court has definitively ruled that land designated for public trust purposes, particularly for education and recreation, cannot be reconveyed to private individuals. This judgment underscores that such land serves an undeniable public interest and its transfer back to original donors is impermissible and arbitrary. The court's directive prevents any attempt to return four acres in Mothkur village, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, to private claimants.

The division bench's order set aside a previous single-judge direction for reconveyance. It mandated authorities to immediately cease any transfer activities and to protect the land, including fencing it to prevent encroachments. The land is to be utilized for the expansion of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), encompassing construction of necessary school facilities and playgrounds.

Rejecting the claimants' argument of unused land, the court affirmed that once legally relinquished and vested with the government, private individuals retain no residual rights. The ruling allows for the land to be secured and developed exclusively for public educational benefits, reinforcing the state's absolute ownership and control over such vital public assets.