Counsel for petitioners contended that the State had failed to deliver on its promise to return the developed plots as per the final master plan within a period of three years from the date of final LPSl and even after the deadline expired on January 20.

The Bench directed the State government and the CRDA not to alienate or mortgage or create any third party interest on the land pooled, except for the construction of capital city or development of capital region.

The High Court also directed the State government to complete the process of development and infrastructure in the Amaravati capital region, including providing basic amenities such as roads, drinking water and electricity, within six months. The State and CRDA were directed to complete the Town Planning Scheme as per section 61 of APCRDA Act.

The State was also directed to pay costs of Rs. 50,000 to each of the petitioners for having forced the filing of the writ petitions to perform their statutory obligations.

The judgment comes in the wake of the State government withdrawing the two Acts — The AP Capital Region Development Authority Repeal Act, 2020 and the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020.

In December 2019, the State government introduced the two Bills in the Assembly, and passed them without much opposition. Meanwhile, land owners in the Amaravati region filed a bunch of petitions challenging the State government’s move.

However, the High Court continued the hearing after some petitioners contended that there were still some issues relating to CRDA Act.

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