HC Vacates Restraint Order on Land Acquisition for MGBS-Chandrayangutta Metro Line

Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court vacated an order restraining authorities from passing awards for properties acquired for the execution of the Metro Rail Project’s Phase-II Corridor-VI. The specific corridor under land acquisition extends from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station to Chandrayangutta.

In his observations, the judge noted that the overall continuity and effectiveness of the Metro Rail network would be adversely affected if the proposed infrastructure project was not executed. The court stated that non-implementation of the project would deprive citizens and daily commuters of an efficient and integrated public transportation facility.

Justice Shravan Kumar highlighted that failing to execute the project would defeat the primary object of establishing a seamless Metro Rail Network connecting different parts of the city. Such a outcome, the judge noted, would adversely affect the larger public interest.

Addressing the scope of judicial intervention in such matters, the judge cited a verdict of the Supreme Court. He stated that technical matters, such as the determination of alignment and the acquisition of lands required for the Metro Rail Project, can be finalized by the authorities after conducting a comprehensive survey.

The judge further clarified that courts are neither equipped nor expected to adjudicate upon the technical viability or feasibility of a particular infrastructure project. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that courts are not expected to determine whether a particular alignment would better serve the larger public interest.

The court's decision allows authorities to move forward with land acquisition processes for the Phase-II Corridor-VI line between Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station and Chandrayangutta.