The ruling emphasizes the importance of timely governmental compensation for submerged lands, mandating a process for fair consideration of representations.

The Court made the following Order:

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Assistant Government Pleader for the respondents.

2. This writ petition is filed questioning the action of the respondents in not paying the compensation to the submerged lands of the petitioners as shown in the cause title having proposed the compensation in the proceedings of the 5^th respondent dated 04.03.2022 inspite of oral and written representations dated 03.11.2025 made by the petitioners.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioners refers to the letter of the 5^th respondent addressed to the 4^th respondent dated 26.09.2023 to show that the subject lands are submerged in Bukkapatnam and Chikkavadiyar Tank and the details of the tentative cost of the land for acquisition as detailed in the said letter basing upon all the reports and recommendations of the Tahsildar, Kothacheruvu, Bukkapatnam and Puttaparthy. Thereafter, the petitioners also made a comprehensive representation to the some of the respondents dated 03.11.2025 but the same is not acted upon so far.

4. On the other hand, the learned Assistant Government Pleader relying upon the written instructions of the 4^th respondent dated 06.02.2026 submits that though the reports were received from the Revenue Divisional Officer, Puttaparthy and proposals for land acquisition dated 04.03.2022 and 26.09.2023, due to lack of funds and not depositing the amount for payment of compensation under Land Acquisition and no requisition is received from the Irrigation Department as well, the land acquisition process has not been taken up. The government has not taken up any decision in this regard. No proceedings or orders were passed either by the Revenue Divisional Officer, or by the Collector in this regard. The representation of the petitioners dated 03.11.2025 said to have been given was not received in the office of the 4^th respondent. However, the contents of the petition have been enquired into and ascertained that, no land acquisition is taken place in this regard.

5. In view of the above said facts and circumstances and upon consideration of the rival submissions made, the petitioners are permitted to make fresh representation to all the respondent authorities concerned enclosing all the necessary documents in support of their claim within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of this order. On receipt of the same, the respondent authorities concerned shall consider and dispose of the said representation of the petitioners strictly in accordance with law by hearing all the parties concerned including the petitioners giving due opportunity and upon verification of the records, appropriate decision shall be taken on its own merits as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six (6) months thereafter.

6. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of. The written instructions of the 4^th respondent dated 06.02.2026 shall be made as part of the court record. Interim order, if any, deemed to have been vacated. There shall be no order as to costs.

As a sequel, Miscellaneous Petitions pending, if any, shall stand closed.