AP Govt Set To Take Back Surplus Land From Ramanaidu Studios

Visakhapatnam: Following a directive from the government, the district administration here has initiated the process to resume nearly 15 acres from the owners of Ramanaidu Film Studios for flouting the allotment norms.

The State Cabinet at its recent meeting and through a GO issued by Special Chief Secretary, Revenue, RP Sisodia, directed the District Collector to issue a show-cause notice on the management to explain reasons as to why the allotment should not be cancelled for violating the conditions laid down at the time of the prime land atop a hillock overlooking the sea in 2003.

Land measuring Ac.34.44 Cts in Sy.No.336 part of Madhurawada Village was alienated in favour of the Managing Director, Suresh Productions Private Limited for establishment of Film Studio and its allied industries on payment of market value subject to conditions stipulated in Board Standing Order-24.

The controversy arose after TDP MLA from the city Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu approached the Supreme Court during the previous regime that the alienee had applied for residential layout to the Commissioner, GVMC on Dt.02.03.2023 to an extent of Ac. 15.17 Cts in Sy.No.336P.

The GO issued by Sisodia stated that the Supreme Court of India has issued interim orders in Special Leave Petition No.1890/2024, Dt.09.02.2024 that “the subject property shall not be used for any purpose other than the purpose mentioned in the order being G.O.Ms.No.963, dated.13.09.2003."

The GO said that Suresh Productions Pvt. Ltd applied for a residential layout, which was a clear deviation from the original purpose of the assignment. Quoting BSO-24, he said only the State Government, which had originally assigned the land, has the authority to modify the purpose of the land, and not district-level authorities. He said the land was granted specifically for the establishment of a film studio and allied industries to encourage film industry and provide employment to persons associated with the same, which was a public purpose. Any deviation from this purpose violates the conditions laid out in BSO-24. As Suresh Productions has made efforts to obtain permission for residential layout in an extent of Ac.15.17 Cts which is a clear deviation from the purpose of alienation and violation of BSO-24, he contended.