STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH Vs. ESTATE ABOLITION TRIBUNAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ appeal filed by the State of Andhra Pradesh, arises out of an order passed by the learned Judge, dismissing a writ petition filed by the State challenging an order of the Estate Abolition Tribunal.

(2.) We have heard the learned Government Pleader for Revenue for the State of Andhra Pradesh and Smt. Neeraja Reddy, learned counsel appearing on behalf of Sri S.V. Sundararajan, learned counsel for respondents 3 to 11. Prelude:

(3.) Like Pilate, who was compelled by the force of circumstances, to order the crucifixion of Jesus, but who took a bowl of water and washed his hands before declaring in front of the crowd "I am innocent of this man's blood", the learned Judge, in the order impugned in the writ petition, felt forced, albeit in agony and disgust, to dismiss the writ petition of the State of Andhra Pradesh and confirm the order of the Settlement Tahsildar as confirmed by the Estate Abolition Tribunal granting patta in favour of the respondents 3 to 11, in respect of a land which was a confirmed water body.