Amaravati: AP Court Upholds TTD Land Deal Amid Scrutiny
Case Overview
The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently provided significant relief to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) by dismissing a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging a land exchange deal. The case involved TTD’s land in Peruru village, Tirupati mandal, which was swapped with the tourism department and later allocated for the construction of a hotel by the Oberoi Group’s Swar entity.
This decision came from a bench led by Chief Justice Dheeraj Singh Thakur and Justice Cheemalapati Ravi, who refused to intervene in the matter.
PIL Details
The PIL was filed by the president of the Tiru Kshetrala Rakshana Samiti, seeking to cancel the land exchange between TTD and the tourism department. It also contested the government order allocating the land to Swar Hotels.
The petitioner argued that permitting hotel construction on the exchanged land violated legal norms.
Arguments from Both Sides
Senior advocate KS Murthy represented the petitioner, claiming the allocation process was unlawful and lacked proper oversight. He highlighted potential misuse of temple-owned property.
On the other side, Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas defended TTD and the state government, emphasizing the procedural validity of the exchange.
Court’s Decision
After reviewing arguments, the bench ruled that the land swap could not be nullified solely because TTD relocated a devotee-focused project to another site. They stressed that such changes alone do not warrant cancellation.
This dismissal effectively upheld the deal, allowing the hotel project to proceed without judicial hindrance.
Broader Context
The land swap has faced criticism from opposition leaders and former TTD officials, who allege undervaluation of TTD’s property in the exchange. Reports suggest TTD’s 20-acre plot, valued at around Rs 460-520 crore, was traded for tourism land worth far less.
Despite these claims, the court’s stance prioritizes the agreement’s integrity over valuation disputes.
Implications
This ruling eases pressure on TTD amid ongoing controversies over temple asset management. It may encourage similar public-private partnerships for tourism development near religious sites.
However, critics continue to call for transparency to prevent future allegations of favoritism.