Hyderabad District Collector Mr Guljar suggested to the government to approach the High Court seeking cancellation of the Appellate Commissioner’s orders justifying sale of 5.53 acres of the Padmalaya Studios land owned by superstar Krishna to the Zee Tele Films.

Guljar in a letter sent to the Government suggested various legal points to put forth arguments before the HC to get the land back.

The issue goes back to 1982 when the government allotted 50 acres of land to the State Film Development Corporation for film industry development in Hyderabad. The corporation has allotted 9.5 acres of land to Krishna for the Padmalaya Studios.

Krishna later started partnership business with Zee Tele Films and suffered losses. When the Zee Tele Films demanded Krishna to return the amount of Rs.60 Cr to it, Krishna transferred 5.53 acres of the Studios land to the organization to settle the investments dues. Another 4000 square yards of land was registered in the name of the directors of the Studios. The land was estimated to be worth Rs.456 Cr now.

Revenue officials, after serving several notices to Krishna, seized the land sold to the Zee Tele Films in 2007 saying the sale was illegal and violative of rules. The government also installed a board saying the land belonged to the Government.

Krishna challenged the seizure in the Appellate Commissioner’s office which ruled in his favour. Later, revenue officials also gave mutation for the land in favour of the Zee Tele Films.

Guljar said in his letter the decision of the Appellate Commissioner can be challenged in the High Court and the land can be taken back by the government. (J)