Tue Apr 01 21:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad High Court to Hear Petitions Challenging Land Allotment to IT Firm
**Hyderabad, April 2, 2025** – The Telangana High Court will hear two public interest litigations (PILs) tomorrow challenging the allocation of 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli to the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TGIIC). The land, earmarked for IT infrastructure development, is the subject of protests by students and environmental groups.
The first PIL, filed by the Vata Foundation ENPO, alleges the land allotment is arbitrary and illegal. The foundation is seeking a stay on ongoing tree felling and excavation activities. The court previously directed the state government to file a counter-affidavit. The petitioner’s counsel highlighted the ongoing destruction of the ecosystem despite the pending case.
A second PIL, filed by retired scientist Kalapala Babu Rao, argues that the government order (GO Ms. No. 54) authorizing the land transfer violates the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. Mr. Rao contends that the government failed to form an expert committee to assess the land as required by the 2023 forest conservation rules and Supreme Court directives. He further requests the court to declare the land a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and conduct a detailed survey of the area.
Heavy police presence was reported at the University of Hyderabad’s main gate on Tuesday, April 1st, amid student protests against the land acquisition. The High Court will consider the arguments of both petitioners and the state and union governments on Wednesday.
First Piper 