HC Criticizes CS Office for Absence of Affidavit and Appearance

Quick Summary

• telangana high Court expressed displeasure over the Chief Secretary’s non-compliance with its directive issued on august 25.
• the directive pertains to instructing all district Collectors to provide details of prohibited properties under Section 22A of the Registration Act, 1908, to sub-Registrars.
• A Bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin reviewed writ petitions regarding Sub-Registrar offices refusing sale deeds for registration.
• The Bench recalled previous orders requiring the affidavit submission by September 3 and physical presence of the Chief Secretary if not complied with; these were ignored as neither was delivered nor presented on time.
• Government representatives requested a one-week extension to submit the affidavit. the HC remarked this failure reflects poorly on the office of the Chief Secretary.
• Reference was made to an earlier ruling directing governments of both Telangana and andhra Pradesh to form committees/forums for managing prohibited property lists within a set timeframe.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This case highlights challenges in administrative compliance within governmental bodies concerning land/property registration processes under Section 22A of the Registration Act, 1908. Lack of timely response from top officials like Chief Secretaries undermines both judicial authority and public confidence in governance systems critical for handling sensitive property transactions effectively.

The High Court’s firm stance underscores its intent to ensure transparency, accountability, and interdepartmental coordination in addressing complex land ownership issues impacting citizens directly or indirectly. Compliance gaps may lead not onyl to procedural delays but could also expose systemic inefficiencies at large that require immediate rectification.

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