Telangana High Court takes children’s letter on encroachment of playground for temple suo motu

HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of a public interest litigation (PIL) based on a heartrending letter received from 23 underprivileged children residing in Adilabad.

The children expressed their grave concerns about the encroachment of the land designated for their playground to facilitate the construction of a temple.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti has promptly taken up the matter in the interest of public welfare. The court has issued notices to the Adilabad Municipal Commissioner and other relevant departments, instructing them to file a comprehensive 'action taken report' before the next scheduled hearing, which is on March 7, 2024.

As per the communication addressed to the court by the children, a housing colony was established in the heart of Adilabad in 1970, with the primary objective of uplifting downtrodden communities and providing welfare to underprivileged residents. A specific land parcel measuring Ac.1.50 guntas was allocated for the construction of a children's park and play area. However, between 2000 and 2004, approximately Ac.0.30 guntas of this designated land fell victim to encroachment, leading to the construction of a temple.

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The children's letter further revealed that over the past few months, there have been continuous attempts to encroach upon the remaining land earmarked for the children's park. The children have explicitly complained against the Commissioner of the Adilabad Municipality in their communication.

In response to the gravity of the situation, the court has taken swift action to ensure the safety and welfare of the underprivileged children residing in Adilabad. The court order states, "This public interest litigation has been registered on the basis of the communication addressed to this Court by 23 children, who are residents of Adilabad."

The court has directed the official respondents to file a detailed 'action taken report' before the next scheduled hearing.