SC Transfers Amaravati Farmers' Petition against R5 Zone to Another Bench

In a pivotal legal turn of events, the Supreme Court commenced hearings on a petition lodged by Amaravati farmers contesting the R5 Zone on Monday. The case has since been redirected to a bench that is concurrently managing the Amaravati matter. High-profile legal representatives Harish Salve, Mukul Rohtagi, Shyandivaan, and Dev Dutt Kamat articulated the farmers' grievances during the morning proceedings. In a subsequent ruling, the Supreme Court decreed that the R5 Zone dispute is to be adjudicated by the bench under the stewardship of Justice Joseph, who is presently presiding over the Amaravati case. This order was established in line with a directive propagated by the Supreme Court registry on Friday, mandating the inclusion of both petitions in Justice Joseph's purview. During Monday's examination, Harish Salve, acting on behalf of the farmers, implored for a temporary halt on the R5 Zone until the ensuing hearing. However, this plea was countered by legal counsel representing the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government. Advocate Niranjan Reddy, speaking for the AP administration, reminded the supreme judicial body that the High Court had already promulgated provisional orders concerning the R5 Zone, while the Amaravati petition is still under deliberation. The farmers beseeched the Supreme Court to suspend the High Court's verdict on the allocation of housing plots in the R5 Zone to individuals from different regions. They also demanded the revocation of the state government's edicts. The farmers contended that the state government's conduct directly contravened the Amaravati master plan. Despite these earnest entreaties, the court elected to shift the case to another bench.