The Hyderabad High Court on Wednesday struck down the government order based on which the Telangana Government was acquiring land for the Mallannasagar irrigation project. 

The High Court questioned why the government had created a new land acquisition law when the 2013 Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act already exists.

The order follows protests by farmers over the last two weeks over the ruling TRS’ move to acquire land through GO 123.

The court also observed that the GO did not provide any benefits to those who got affected due to land acquisition, reported The New Indian Express.

Speaking to The News Minute, Raju, a youth from Pallepahad village said, “We are very happy. Celebrations have begun in our villages. We are distributing sweets and bursting crackers.”

Five villages were yet to sign the papers. Without acquiring lands from these villages, the Mallannasagar irrigation project cannot be constructed, said farmer activists.

“The entire state is celebrating. This is farmers’ victory. They fought for their lands and won. I request the government not to approach any higher bench challenging this decision of high court,” said Ponnam Prabakar, Congress Legislator and In-charge for Medak.