HC stays for two weeks AP Govt's GO on land acquisition

Hyderabad, May 21, 2015:The High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad on Thursday stayed for two weeks the implementation of GO No.166 issued by the AP Government for land acquisition in Guntur district for construction of the Capital city. The AP Government issued the GO on May 14 authorising the Capital Region Development Authority ( CRDA ) to acquire land from farmers under the Land Acquisition Act saying the GO would be applicable for those farmers who did not show interest to give their land under the land pooling policy. The GO was challenged in the High Court by several farmers from Undavalli and Penumaka villages in Guntur district. They were supported by some realtors too. The petitioners contended that the Government was trying to seek exemption from the laws that ensure fair compensation to the farmers for acquiring their land. They sought suspension of the GO on the grounds that it violates their right to seek fair compensation for giving their lands.