Amaravati: High Court Rebuffs Former Minister Peddireddy in Forest Land Encroachment Case
Andhra Pradesh High Court Ruling
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has delivered a significant setback to former minister and YSRCP leader Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, along with his family members, by dismissing their supplementary petition to halt criminal proceedings in a forest land encroachment case. The court, presided over by Justice Challa Gunaranjan, declined to issue a stay on the ongoing criminal investigation initiated by the Forest Department.
Allegations of Encroachment
The controversy centers on allegations that Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, his brother and Tamballapalle MLA Dwarakanath Reddy, his son and Rajampet MP P.V. Mithun Reddy, and his brother’s wife P. Indiramma encroached upon approximately 75.74 acres of forest land in the Mangalampet region of Chittoor district. The Forest Department filed a Preliminary Offence Report (POR) on May 6, 2025, charging the family with trespassing, encroachment, and causing biodiversity loss in the Mangalampet Reserve Forest.
Legal Proceedings and Court Directives
The accused had previously approached the High Court to prevent authorities from taking action to reclaim the disputed land. Their recent petition sought to suspend criminal proceedings, but the court refused to intervene, allowing the investigation to proceed. However, Justice Gunaranjan reiterated a prior court directive, emphasizing that any stringent actions by the Revenue or Forest Departments concerning the land must strictly adhere to legal protocols.
Context of the Dispute
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of high-profile political figures and allegations of misuse of power during Peddireddy’s tenure in the YSRCP government. A Vigilance Commission report earlier indicted Peddireddy for allegedly doctoring land records to expand his holdings to 104 acres, far exceeding the original 23.69 acres documented in official records. The Andhra Pradesh government, under Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has prioritized action against such encroachments, intensifying scrutiny on the case.
Implications and Next Steps
The High Court’s decision marks a critical juncture in the ongoing probe, reinforcing the state’s commitment to addressing environmental violations. The refusal to grant a stay signals that the accused will face continued legal scrutiny, with potential consequences under environmental and forest laws. Authorities are now expected to proceed with the investigation while ensuring compliance with legal standards for any land reclamation efforts.