LiveLaw Andhra Pradesh High Court Half Yearly Digest: January - June, 2026

Citations: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 1 - 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 108

Nominal Index

Ganpati Ispat v. Union of India: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 1

Andhra Pradesh High Court Flags Rising Trend Of Mandamus Petitions Challenging Quasi-Judicial Orders; Explains Difference With Certiorari

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 4715 of 2026

Case Title: MANDALA RAJESHWARI v. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH and Ors

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 32

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has observed that it has lately noticed a growing pattern wherein litigants are filing petitions seeking a Writ of Mandamus while challenging quasi-judicial orders passed by authorities, thereby overlooking the fundamental distinction between a writ of mandamus and a writ of certiorari.

In this regard, Justice Subba Reddy Satti observed,

“… this Court is constrained to make the observations regarding the fundamental difference since a large number of writ petitions are being filed seeking a Writ of Mandamus alone, without asking for Certiorari.”

Integrity Allegations Against Judicial Officers Must Be Verified From Multiple Sources Before Adverse ACR Entry: AP High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 30701/2013

Case Title: N.VIJAYA BABU v. THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF A P

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 33

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has observed that adverse remarks against Judicial Officers in Annual Confidential Reports should be made with caution and only after adequately cross-checking allegations from multiple sources.

In this regard, a Division Bench comprising Justice R. Raghunandan Rao and Justice T.C.D. Sekhar observed,

“… it would be necessary to place a caution regarding the manner in which adverse remarks, especially relating to the integrity of Judges, are to be made in the Confidential Reports of Judicial Officers. It is an acknowledged fact that disgruntled employees, colleagues or litigants are prone to make allegations against Judicial Officers, especially on the integrity of the Judicial Officers. The Hon'ble Judges of this Court, have always balanced the need to investigate such complaints with the need to protect honest officers who are being targeted for having passed orders or Judgments which are not to the liking of the learned counsel appearing for parties or for the litigants themselves. It would only be appropriate that adequate precautions are taken before any adverse remarks are placed in the Confidential Reports of the Judicial Officers. One such protection could be to seek inputs from diverse sources and not to record an adverse entry, especially regarding the integrity of a judicial officer, based on a single input, even if the said input is from the Principal District Judge of the said District. It is the view of this Court, that unless such allegations are cross checked, it would not be safe to pass any adverse remark against the judicial officer.”

Reversion For Lack Of Qualification After 18 Service Valid, But Pension Can Be Fixed Based On Higher Post: Andhra Pradesh HC

Case Name : N. Audilakshmamma v. Dist Judge, Chittoor Dist & Anr.

Case No. : WP Nos. 464 & 740 of 2012

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 34

A Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court comprising Justice R. Raghunandan Rao and Justice T.C.D. Sekhar held that a government employee wrongly promoted without requisite qualification can be reverted, but if there is no fraud then recovery of salary is impermissible and pension can be fixed on the basis of higher post.

Major Woman Free To Live With Man Of Her Choice, Habeas Corpus Plea By Parents Not Maintainable: Andhra Pradesh High Court Reiterates

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 4349/2026

Case Title: TURLAPATI PEDDABBAI v. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 35

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by parents seeking custody of their major daughter (corpus)— who was missing from her home since January 2026, after the Court discovered that she had voluntarily married and chosen to live with her husband (Respondent 7).

Emphasising that a major has the right to choose whom she intends to live with, a Division Bench comprising Justice Cheekati Manavendranath Roy and Justice Tuhin Kumar Gedela held,

“…as she has with free will and volition voluntarily married respondent No.7 after attaining majority and she has expressed her intention to live and stay with him only, it cannot be said that she has been illegally confined or detained by respondent No.7. As she is a major, she has every right to take a decision as to with whom she intends to stay and live. As she has taken a decision to live with respondent No.7, she has to be allowed to live with her husband i.e. respondent No.7. Therefore, the writ petition for Habeas Corpus is not maintainable.”

Denial Of Compassionate Appointment To Higher Post Despite Educational Qualifications & Eligibility Is Arbitrary: Andhra Pradesh HC

Case Name : Pidugu Sasi Kanth Reddy vs. Dist. Judge Kadapa & Ors.

Case No. : Writ Petition No. 23473/2011

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 36

A Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court comprising Justice R Raghunandan Rao and Justice T.C.D.Sekhar held that a candidate appointed on compassionate grounds cannot be denied appointment to a higher suitable post matching his educational qualifications by wrongly applying rules for promotion.

AP High Court Declines Father's Plea For DNA Test Of Children To Prove Alleged Adultery By Wife In Divorce Case

Case Number: CIVIL REVISION PETITION No.3393 of 2025

Case Title: X v/s Y

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 37

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has dismissed a man's plea seeking DNA testing of his two children in order to prove if his wife had committed adultery, in connection with an ongoing marital dispute.

Initially, the petitioner had filed for dissolution of his marriage with his wife (respondent) on the ground of desertion under Section 13(1)(ib) of Hindu Marriage Act. Meanwhile, the petitioner also filed an application seeking to send his children for DNA testing, in order to determine whether he was their legitimate father. However, the Trial Court dismissed the said application, emphasising that children cannot be mechanically subjected to DNA tests in each and every case between warring parents as a short-cut to establish proof of infidelity.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Challenging Medical Council Elections, Cites Alternate Remedy

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 6163/2026

Case Title: POLAVARAPU PHANIDHAR v. UNION OF INDIA and Ors

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 38

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has disposed of a writ petition challenging the election of members to the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (Respondent 4), and has subsequently directed the petitioners to seek relief under the statutory appellate mechanism provided under the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (Conduct of Election) Rules, 1978, instead of invoking writ jurisdiction.

According to the petitioners, the elections—conducted via an online e-voting system, originally required three OTPs to authenticate and complete a vote, as per the APMC e-voting Manual for Voters-2026. The 3rd OTP demonstrated completion of the voting process and after exercising the 3rd OTP, no voter would be allowed to cast votes again and login access would automatically be denied. However, the mandate of the third OTP was reportedly dispensed with on the day of the voting on account of complaints and representations.

AP High Court Grants Interim Bail To Accused In 80Kg Ganja Case, Cites Wife's Severe Health Condition Requiring Immediate Care

Case Number: CRIMINAL PETITION NO: 1996/2026

Case Title: MULAGAPAKA VENKATESH v. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 39

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted interim bail to an individual allegedly found in possession of 80 kgs ganja, on the ground that his wife was suffering from a severe bout of sickle cell anemia which required his immediate presence for care.

After getting caught with the said quantity of ganja in possession, offences punishable under Sections 20(b)(ii)(C) (punishment for possession of ganja) read with 8(c) of NDPS Act (possession of narcotic drug except for medicinal purpose) were registered against him. Subsequently, he filed a criminal petition seeking bail.

Compassionate Appointment Must Match Candidate's Qualification If Eligible: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 23473/2011

Case Title: PIDUGU SASI KANTH REDDY v. DIST JUDGE KADAPA and Ors

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 40

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has allowed a petition filed by an Attender of the II Additional Junior Civil Judge, Proddatur, who sought appointment as a Junior Assistant under the compassionate appointment scheme, commensurate with his educational qualifications.

The petitioner was appointed in 2004 as an Attender on compassionate grounds, following the demise of his father, who was also employed in the judicial department. Subsequently, the petitioner submitted a representation seeking appointment to the post of Junior Assistant, contending that he possessed the requisite educational qualification for the post.

Hindu Succession Act | Husband Gets No Share In Parental Property Inherited By Wife: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION No. 12421/2023

Case Title: CHIKKALA DEVIKA MANASA and ANR v. THE STATE OF AP and Ors

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 41

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has stated that property inherited by a female Hindu from her parents shall devolve upon the heir/s of her father if she dies intestate, and such property shall not devolve upon her husband or his heirs.

Referring to Section 15(2)(a) of Hindu Succession Act, which governs devolution of parental property to heirs, Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao held,

“The bare reading of Section 15(2)(a) of Hindu Succession Act 1956 clearly outlines that if the property is inherited by a female Hindu from her father or mother in the absence of any of child, the property of the deceased shall go to the legal heirs of father. The husband will not get any right over the property inherited by her from her father.”

“Nothing But Exploitation”: Andhra Pradesh High Court Flags Long-Term Engagement Of Temporary Workers Without Regularisation

Case Number: WRIT PETITION Nos.44902, 31806 & 45705 of 2018

Case Title: K. Narayana Reddy v. The State of Andhra Pradesh and Ors

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 42

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has strongly deprecated the State's long-standing practice of engaging workers on ad-hoc basis for decades, extracting work equivalent to that of full-time employees, while paying them meagre wages and refusing regularisation and benefits arising out of it.

The criticism was propounded by a Division Bench comprising Justice Battu Devanand and Subhendu Samanta while dealing with a batch of petitions filed by workers employed in various government departments under the Telugu Ganga Project and related divisions, challenging an order of the Andhra Pradesh Administrative Tribunal, whereby their plea of regularisation was rejected.

Electricity Supply Can't Be Denied To Occupant Due To Ownership Dispute: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION No: 2270 of 2026

Case Title: SHAIK SHAJAHAN BEE ALIAS SHAJAHAN ALIAS SHAJAHA v. THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER OPERATIONS and Ors

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 43

While emphasising that electricity is a basic necessity, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has observed that mere pendency of civil litigation does not constitute grounds for discontinuation of power supply to a consumer, unless there exists an order explicitly restraining supply of electricity.

Justice Ninala Jayasurya was dealing with a writ petition filed by a 62-year old woman who had purchased a property in 2000, and was running a hotel (commercial purpose) on the premises while residing there (domestic purpose). However, a dispute arose when another individual (Respondent 7) obtained an ex-parte civil court decree related to possession of the property. While legal proceedings to challenge that decree were still pending, respondent 7 approached the DISCOM authorities and subsequently the electricity supply to the premises was disconnected.

Non-Compliance Of Judicial Orders By Govt Officials 'Shameful', Derogatory To Constitution: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case title: P KOTESWARA RAO v/s KAMMARA UPENDRACHARI

Case Number: CONTEMPT APPEAL Nos:31 AND 32 OF 2023

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 44

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has set-aside a contempt conviction against senior government officials, accepting their unconditional apology for delay in complying with a previous order of the Court, and has subsequently emphasised that officials adopting a casual approach in complying with Court orders not only undermines the Constitution, but is also “shameful” to the position and dignity of the officials.

Initially in 2022, contempt proceedings arose from non-compliance with High Court order directing the District Collector (Kurnool) and Revenue Divisional Officer (appellants) to consider Respondent 1's representations seeking encashment of 300 days of earned leave and release of pensionary benefits within four weeks

Clubbing Multiple Contracts In One Writ Petition Maintainable Subject To Payment Of Aggregate Court Fee: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 27799 of 2025

Case Title: KOTA VENKATA NARAYANA v. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 45

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has observed that in writ petitions relating to contractual matters where the causes of action are different and distinct, a single writ petition is maintainable, however, subject to payment of aggregate court fee as prescribed in Section 6(3) of the Andhra Pradesh Court-Fees and Suit Valuation Act, 1956 (1956 Act).

For reference— Section 6(3) states that where a suit is filed based on two or more different and distinct causes of action and seek separate reliefs, one must pay the aggregate court fee payable in case of filing separate suits.

'Child Welfare Prevails Over Foreign Orders': AP High Court Rejects Father's Plea Seeking Enforcement Of UK Court Custody Order

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 22723/2025

Case Title: GADDE BALA YESWANTH v. THE STATE OF AP

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 46

While dismissing a writ of of habeas corpus filed by a father before the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking custody of his minor-child (a UK citizen) in order to enforce an order passed by the Family Court of England, the High Court has observed that such a writ cannot be employed to enforce foreign court orders, and reaffirmed that the minor's welfare is paramount and prevails over her nationality or citizenship and any orders passed by the Foreign Courts.

AP High Court Declines Party's Apology For Selling Property In Violation Of Court Order, Orders ₹10K Costs & 1-Month Imprisonment

Case Number: CONTEMPT CASE No.1636 of 2025

Case Title: Nagatham Suneetha & another v. Nagatham Muni Rajamma (died) & 3 others

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 47

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has refused to accept an apology tendered by an individual contemnor (Respondent 2), who mortgaged a disputed property and sold part of it to third parties despite a Court order specifically restraining him from doing so, while holding that the disobedience was a “conscious” and “deliberate” act.

Justice Ravi Nath Tilhari and Justice Maheswara Rao Kuncheam were adjudicating a long-standing property dispute between a family (petitioner and respondents), where the petitioners had initially secured a preliminary decree of partition from the trial court in 2017. However, when appeal was filed before the High Court, it issued an interim order in 2021 and allowed respondent 2 to temporarily take custody of certain original property documents, subject to strict conditions. Such conditions included abstinence from creation of third-party rights over the property and mortgaging of documents, and mandatory return of documents at the time of hearing and disposal of the case.

TDR Bonds Not Mandatory Under 2013 Land Acquisition Law; State Must Follow Statutory Compensation Scheme If Acquisition Refused: AP High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION Nos: 5188, 5333 & 5338 of 2026

Case Title: KOLLIPALLI SUSMITH KUMAR v. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 48

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has reiterated that Transferable Development Rights (TDR) bonds are not mandatory to be accepted by claimants under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and upon refusal the State is bound to initiate compensatory proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the 2013 Act.

Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad was dealing with a writ petition where the State (Respondents), in order to acquire the petitioners' (claimants') land for road widening, were compelling them to accept TDR bonds, instead of following the procedure prescribed under the 2013 Act, despite specific refusal of the petitioners to accept TDR bonds. The petitioner, through the writ petition, claimed that such an act on part of the State was illegal, arbitrary and violative of Articles 14, 21 and 300-A of the Constitution.

Follow Temple Norms Barring Foreign-Returned Priests From Worshipping At Sringeri Sharada Peetham: AP High Court To State

Case title: D S S S SUBRAHMANYAM SOMAYAJI v/s THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH & Anr.

WRIT PETITION NO: 8102/2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 49

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the State to follow endowment departments 2010 Circular and directions issued by Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sharada Peetham in 2024 wherein priests who have travelled abroad cannot enter the temple's sanctum sanctorum and worship the deity.

The petitioner, a priest, alleged that the State was not following a 2010 notification issued by the Endowments Department and a Pramanika dated 20.12.2024 issued by the Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sharada Peetham. As per the Pramanika, persons who have travelled abroad cannot enter the sanctum sanctorum and participate in the worship of the deity.

Minor Defects In Chargesheet Don't Entitle Accused To Default Bail: AP High Court Cancels Bail In Case Involving 808Kg Contraband

Case Number: CRIMINAL PETITION NO: 9462/2025

Case Title: THE SENIOR INTELLIGENCE OFFICER , DIRECTORATE OF REVENUE INTELLIGENCE v. SANTHOSH KUMAR SAHOO and Ors

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 50

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has cancelled the statutory bail granted to three accused in a narcotics trafficking case involving over 808 kilograms of contraband (ganja), holding that minor procedural defects in the chargesheet cannot justify default bail when it was filed within the statutory time limit.

Initially, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had conducted an operation on NH-16, where they had intercepted a carrier and a pilot car and seized around 808.18 kgs of ganja from the vehicles. Accordingly, they arrested the three accused (Accused 1, 2 and 3) for offences under the NDPS Act. However, the Trial Court granted them statutory bail on the grounds of procedural defects in the chargesheet and for failure on part of the prosecution to resubmit corrected documents in time.

Withholding Pension For Decades Due To Pending Trial Endangers Fundamental Right To Life: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION No. 30653 of 2014

Case Title: B.RAMAIAH v. THE GOVT OF AP and Another

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 51

While emphasising that pension is not bounty, gratuity, or ex-gratia payment dependent on the employer's will, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the release of the long-pending pension and retirement benefits of a 79-year old retired employee (petitioner), who was earlier denied the same on the grounds that a criminal case and disciplinary proceedings alleging misconduct were pending against him.

Justice Harinath N referred to a Memo of 2003 issued by the State, which fixed an upper limit for a period of suspension as two years, whereafter the employee is entitled for reinstatement. Reference was also made to Rule 9 of the Revised Pension Rules which empowers the Government to withhold or withdraw pension or gratuity if in any departmental or judicial proceedings the pensioner is found guilty of grave misconduct or negligence during the period of his service.

Unregistered Gift-Deed Cannot Form Basis Of Declaration Suit, Registration Mandatory U/S 123 Transfer Of Property Act: AP High Court

Case Number: CIVIL REVISION PETITION No. 2202 of 2022

Case Title: SMT.BYREDDY RAMA DEVI v. SMT VEMAVARAMA SREE VIJAYA

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 52

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has emphasised that in a suit for declaration, “documents are the foundation of litigation”, and thus, placing reliance on an unregistered gift deed would constitute a nullity as per Section 123 of the Transfer of Property Act.

For reference, Section 123, TPA provides that for the purpose of making a gift of immovable property, the transfer must be effected by a registered instrument signed by or on behalf of the donor, and attested by at-least two witnesses.

Conditional NOC Doesn't Authorize Unilateral Cancellation By Authorities: AP High Court Warns Of Adverse Impact On Constitutional Rights

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 35324/2025

Case Title: Y SATHYAM v. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 53

Extensively explaining the repercussions of failure to follow principles of natural justice while passing quasi-judicial or administrative orders, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has observed that such failure can seriously undermine citizens' constitutional rights, weaken public confidence in governance, and disproportionately harm rural communities.

Justice Maheswara Rao Kuncheam was dealing with a writ petition where the petitioner had applied for a mining lease in 2014 for excavation of limestone slabs over a parcel of land.

AP High Court Flags Excessive Compassionate Appointments, Says Educated Youth Left Waiting 'In Silence'

Case Number: WRIT PETITION No.6472 of 2025

Case Title: Gogutattu Sujana v. The State of Andhra Pradesh

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 54

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has emphasised that compassionate appointments are only an “exception” to the rule of equal opportunity in public employment, and the 'staggering' number of compassionate appointments (20,801) made since bifurcation of the State in 2014 is reflective of the consistent violation of Article 16 of the Constitution by stakeholders in the name of “exception”.

“Punitive & Stigmatic”: AP High Court Reinstates Probationary Judicial Officer Discharged Over Alleged Misconduct Without Inquiry

Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 4041 of 2019

Case Title: X v. State of Andhra Pradesh

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 55

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has set-aside the discharge of a probationary judicial officer (petitioner) who was removed from service over allegations of improper behaviour during judicial training, holding that the action was punitive and stigmatic, and invalid under Article 311(2) for want of proper inquiry.

The petitioner was posted as an Additional Junior Civil Judge. During her training at the Judicial Academy, two incidents were reported which lay the genesis of her suspension and later discharge.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Appoints Wife As Guardian Of Comatose Husband, Permits Access To Bank Accounts

Case Number: WRIT PETITION No.8729 OF 2026

Case Title: Singavaram Nagamma v. The State of Andhra Pradesh

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 56

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has appointed a wife (petitioner 1) as the legal guardian of her husband— who had been in a persistent vegetative state and required further medical treatment, and has thereby, allowed her to access his bank account for medical treatment and household expenses.

The husband of petitioner 1, and father of their children (petitioners 2 and 3) was in a perpetual vegetative/comatose state, and his continued treatment required substantial funds. As meeting the continued expense of medical treatment of the patient, without touching his bank account, was becoming difficult to be borne by the petitioners, they submitted that it was imperative for one of them to be declared as guardian to operate the bank account in the victim's name which was lying with the Axis Bank (Respondent 2), and to deal with his properties.

Pendency Of Execution Petition Against Judgment Debtor No Bar To Institute Other Execution Petitions Against Remaining Debtors: AP High Court

Case Number: CIVIL REVISION PETITION NO.808 OF 2026

Case Title: Potturi Venkata Rama Vanaja v. M/s. Sundaram Finance Ltd.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 57

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has observed that pendency of one execution petition against a judgment debtor does not bar separate execution proceedings against other judgment debtors or against a surety/guarantor, as Section 145 of CPC creates no such prohibition.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Ravi Nath Tilhari and Justice Balaji Medamalli was dealing with a revision petition, where M/s. Sundaram Finance Limited (petitioner) had initially obtained an arbitral award directing the borrowers, guarantors and other respondents (Respondents 2-8), including the petitioner, to pay Rs.54.24 lakhs with interest at 18% per annum. In pursuance to this, it first filed an execution petition against the property of one judgment debtor. During the pendency of the petition, it filed another execution petition against the petitioner, who was also one of the guarantors/judgment debtors, seeking execution against his property.

Demolition Without Notice Permissible Only In Urgent Cases, Natural Justice Is The Rule: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Number: WRIT PETITION No.3506 OF 2026

Case Title: K. Sreenivasulu v. The State of A.P

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 58

While granting relief to an individual whose shops were facing demolition for a proposed road-widening project, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that municipal authorities must follow, as a general rule, due process and principles of natural justice before demolishing private property, even in cases involving alleged encroachments.

The observation was propounded by Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad, who was dealing with a writ petition in which the petitioner possessed a parcel of land on which two shops were constructed. The petitioner was regularly paying property taxes and electricity bills.

Market Value Certificates Of Later Periods Can't Be Relied On To Enhance Land Acquisition Compensation: AP High Court

Case title: Vempalli Khasim Saheb and Gundluru Peeramma v.s Government of Andhra Pradesh

APPEAL SUIT Nos. 288 & 317 of 2013

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 59

The Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed pleas seeking enhancement of compensation for land acquisition, noting that the plaintiffs had relied upon market value certificates of the land of a later date despite possession taking place earlier.

In doing so the court observed that a party cannot rely on market value certificates of a later date in order to seek enhanced compensation.

Imposing Inter-Se Seniority Across Separate Feeder Categories In Fixed Roster Promotion System Is Arbitrary: AP HC

Case Name : K.V.L. Narasimha Rao and Others vs. M. Ganeshwara Rao and Others

Case No. : WRIT PETITION Nos: 4493 of 2016, 38747 of 2015, 14864 of 2017 & 3629 of 2021

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 60

A Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court comprising Justice R. Raghunandan Rao and Justice T.C.D. Sekhar held that imposing an additional condition of inter-se seniority across separate feeder categories on a fixed roster-point promotion system is arbitrary and discriminatory, as it can completely eliminate promotional chances for one feeder category.

NEET-UG 2026: AP High Court Denies Relief To Students Who Missed Application Deadline, Says No Interference On 'Humanitarian Grounds'

Case Title: Mahesh Gaddam & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.

Case Number: Writ Petition No. 10859 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 61

The Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed a plea to reopen application portal for NEET-UG 2026 or permit submission of applications through an alternate mode, holding that timelines given in public notice and information bulletin must be strictly adhered to wherein intereference cannot be made on humanitaran grounds.

The Court noted that the petitioners' applications were admittedly not filed within the deadline, and their reliance on a third-person to submit the application forms did not excuse their failure to verify submission. It held that no relief could be granted on grounds of hardship, as permitting late applications would disrupt the examination process and affect its sanctity.

Re-Examination Is Right Of Parties, Doesn't Require Court's Permission Unless New Relevant Facts Are To Be Introduced: AP High Court

Case title: PV RAJALAKSHMI v/s G V SRINIVAS RAO & Others

CRIMINAL PETITION NO: 319/2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 62

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held re-examination is a right of parties and does not require court's permission unless a new fact or issue which is relevant to the matter is required to be introduced.

The petitioner being the complainant had filed a plea before trial court under Section 138 of N.I. Act against respondents 1 and 2. The examination-in-chief of PW.1 was held in 2012 and that thereafter cross-examination could not be performed; ultimately it was concluded in 2025 in five intervals.

Video Conferencing Not Permissible At Reconciliation Stage In Matrimonial Disputes: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: X v.Y

Case Number: Civil Revision Petition No. 311 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 63

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that Rules for Video Conferencing for Courts, 2023 are procedural in nature and cannot be construed to permit video conferencing even at the stage of reconciliation in matrimonial proceedings as it is against Supreme Court's judgment in Santhini Vs. Vijaya Venkatesh.

The high court referred to Santhini judgment wherein it was held that only once a settlement fails and if both the parties give consent that a witness can be examined in video-conferencing, that it can be allowed. That apart, when the parties give consent that it is necessary in a specific factual matrix having regard to the convenience of the parties, the Family Court may allow the prayer for video-conferencing. The Apex Court also added a safeguard that a joint application should be filed before the Family Court Judge, who shall take a decision.

Mentioning Grounds Of Arrest In Remand Report Without Service To Arrestee Not Valid Communication: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Bolla Kiran v The State Of Andhra Pradesh

WRIT PETITION NO: 9972/2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 64

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that merely mentioning grounds of arrest in the remand report, without serving it to arrestee before remand proceedings, does amount to valid communication of grounds of arrest.

In doing so the court said that service of remand report to the arrestees containing the grounds of arrest is valid communication, even if notices under Sections 47(Person arrested to be informed of grounds of arrest and of right to bail) & 48 (Obligation of person making arrest to inform about arrest, etc) of BNSS did not contain the grounds of arrest.

AP High Court Modifies Preliminary Decree In Partition Suit, Grants Daughter Equal Share Under Amended Hindu Succession Act

Case Title: Y. Rukinamma & Ors. v. Smt. Sagire Nagendramma & Ors.

Case Number: I.A. Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4 of 2026 in A.S. No. 118 of 1990

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 65

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a daughter has equal share in the co-parcenary property as per amended Section 6 Hindu Succession Act and a preliminary decree in a partition suit can be modified to grant such right so long as final decree proceedings are pending and partition has not taken place by metes and bounds.

For context, Section 6 post the 2005 amendment to the Act, the daughter has a right in the coparcenary property of her father to succeed like a son, subject to the conditions and limitations as specified in the statutory provisions. The dispute in the present case was regarding the applicability of law and the maintainability of the application by subsequent purchaser and the modification of the appellate preliminary decree.

Fatal Accident Claims Under 1855 Act To Be Registered As Original Suits; Appeal Under S.96 CPC Maintainable Against Decree: AP High Court

Case Title: Birendra Prasad Jain v. Matcha Rama Krishna & Ors.

Case Number: Civil Miscellaneous Appeal (SR) No. 9643 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 66

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a decree passed in suit for accident compensation under Section 1A of Fatal Accidents Act is a decree within the meaning of Section 2(2) CPC and is thus appealable under Section 96 CPC.

In doing so the court issued a slew of directions, ordering that Fatal Accident Original Petitions shall not be entertained and such matters will be registered as original petitions and all such pending FAOPs will be converted into Original Suits (OS).

Access To Justice | Courts Can't Conduct 'Mini Trial' At Stage Of Numbering Claim Petition: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Kumari Kundrapu Priyanka & Anr. v. Smt. Bandaru Varalakshmi & Ors.

Case Number: CRP No. 798 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 67

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that there cannot be a "mini trial" over registration and numbering of a claim petition under Order 21 Rule 58 CPC raising objections, claims to attachement of property in execution proceedings.

In doing so the court said that at the time of registration of such claim petitions, petitioner cannot be insisted upon to prove title, entitlement or merits of the claim; such exercise can be done on the judicial side after registration of the petition.

Husband's Disinclination To Resume Cohabitation With Wife Not A 'Wrong' U/S 23(1)(a) HMA In Absence Of Grave Misconduct: AP High Court

Case Title: X v.Y

Case Number: Civil Miscellaneous Appeal No. 4279 of 2004

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 68

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a mere “disinclination” by a spouse to resume cohabitation after a decree for restitution of conjugal rights does not amount to a “wrong” within the meaning of Section 23(1)(a) of the Hindu Marriage Act so as to disentitle that spouse from seeking divorce.

The court said in order to be a 'wrong' within the meaning of Section 23(1)(a), the conduct alleged has to be something more than a mere disinclination to agree to an offer of reunion and must amount to serious misconduct sufficient to deny the relief otherwise available under law.

AP High Court Fines Litigant ₹25K For Submitting False Medical Certificate To Get Over Inordinate Delay In Filing Appeal

Case Title: Sri Venkateswara Cotton Company, rep. by its Proprietor v. Sri Giri Cotton Traders, Rep. by its Proprietor

Case Number: Appeal Suit No. 82 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 69

The Andhra Pradesh High Court imposed cost of Rs. 25,000 on a litigant who filed an appeal against money recovery decree with an "inordinate delay" of 1037 days citing a medical issue, noting that the medical certificate was unsupported by records.

The Court observed that the medical certificate produced by the appellant, claiming that she had been advised bed rest for nearly three years due to spinal problems, was “not truthful” and appeared to have been prepared only “to get over the delay in filing the appeal.”

AP High Court Slams State Public Service Commission For Repeated Re-Evaluation Of Aspirant's Answer Script Despite Express Bar

Case Title: Pennabadi Amaranath Reddy v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr.

Case Number: W.P. No. 7679 of 2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 70

The Andhra Pradesh High Court slammed the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) for repeatedly constituting committees for re-evaluation of a Group-I Services aspirant's answer script of the recruitment exam, despite Supreme Court judgments which prohibit such re-evaluation.

The petitioner had sought appointment after multiple expert committees reassessed his Paper IV answer script and awarded him substantially higher marks than those given in the original evaluation, thereby bringing him within the zone of consideration for interview.

Parties Must First Oppose Pre-Judgment Property Attachment Notice Before Trial Court Instead Of Invoking Article 227: AP High Court

Case Title: M/s. V. Digitals & 2 Others v. M/s. Baba Flex

Case Number: Civil Revision Petition No. 1095 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 71

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that the high court's supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 of the Constitution cannot be invoked in a routine manner to challenge a show cause notice for attachment of property under Order 38 Rule 5 CPC, when an effective statutory remedy is available before the trial court.

The Court observed that the power under Order XXXVIII Rule 5 CPC is a “drastic and extraordinary power” which must not be exercised mechanically, but at the same time held that parties cannot bypass the procedure prescribed under the CPC and directly approach the High Court without first filing objections before the trial court.

AP High Court Directs Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams To Consider Rare Disease, Autoimmune Disorder Patients For 'Special Darshan' Quota

Case Title: S.K. Srikrishna Yesaswi v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case Number: Writ Petition No. 3481 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 72

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the competent authority of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to decide within four months a representation seeking expansion of 'Special Darshan' medical quota to devotees having debilitating illnesses like autoimmune disorders, rare diseases and severe blood related conditions.

At present devotees having such medical conditions are presently excluded from the existing framework despite facing serious medical limitations.

Self-Certification For WhatsApp Chats By Party Legally Admissible If Requirements Under Section 63 BSA Are Complied: AP High Court

Case Title: X v/s Y

Case Number: Civil Revision Petition No.1239 of 2024

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 73

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a self-certificate by a party under Section 65B Indian Evidence Act/Section 63 BSA is legally admissible and generally sufficient for WhatsApp messages or call recordings present on the party's own phone, provided it complies with the statutory requirements given in the provision.

The requirements that the certificate must identify the electronic record, explain the manner of production, gives its details and certifies that it was functioning properly.

Chit Funds Act | Deputy Registrar Can Issue Recovery Certificate Executable As Civil Court Decree: AP High Court

Case Title: Kambala Venkata Rama Rao v. Kapil Chit Kosta Pvt. Ltd. & Ors.

Case Number: Civil Revision Petition No. 3456 of 2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 74

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a Deputy Registrar appointed under Section 61(1) of the Chit Funds Act is empowered to issue recovery certificates under Section 71(a) and such certificates are deemed to be decrees of a civil court executable in the same manner as civil court decrees.

While interpreting the statutory framework governing the powers of the Registrar under the Act, the Court clarified the scope of authority exercisable by Deputy Registrars appointed under Section 61(1).

POCSO Act | AP High Court Criticizes Trial Court For Making Observations On Mental Condition Of Autistic Victim, Doubting Her Testimony

Case Title: De Facto Complainant v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr.

Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 3825 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 75

The Andhra Pradesh High Court cancelled the bail granted to a school principal accused of sexual misconduct involving a minor autistic girl, holding that successive bail applications in serious offences cannot be entertained in a “routine or mechanical manner” without any substantial change in circumstances.

In doing so the court said that the trial court failed to assign reasons for entertaining the accused's successive bail pleas with a short span of previous dismissals, and should not have doubted the victim's testimony and should have acted with more care.

AP High Court Allows Unauthorized RO Plant To Continue In Public Interest, Says Access To Clean Potable Water Is Part Of Right To Life

Case Title: Konka Srinu @ Srinivasulu v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case Number: Writ Petition No. 20892 of 2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 76

The Andhra Pradesh High Court permitted an unauthorized RO water plant established without prior permission under the Water, Land and Trees Act and the Panchayat Raj Act to operate, after observing that access to clean and safe drinking water is fundamental facet of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

In doing so the court said that “the welfare of the people is the supreme law" wherein State has a fiduciary duty towards citizens specially those in rural areas to have access to clean potable water.

AP High Court Upholds Acquittal In Attempt To Murder Case, Says 'Improved Testimonies' Of Prosecution Witnesses Warrants Benefit Of Doubt

Case Title: State of Andhra Pradesh v. Injeti Yesuratnam & Ors.

Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 754 of 2009

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 77

The Andhra Pradesh High Court upheld the acquittal of six persons in an attempt to murder case, observing that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses had pointed to overt acts by the accused before the trial court which were not stated in their earlier testimonies and were thus improved statements.

The court thus said that omissions in prosecution witness' statements during investigation, amounts to material contradictions under Section 162 Cr.P.C. and can justify acquittal due to benefit of doubt.

Prosecution Suppressed First Dying Declaration Suggesting Accidental Fire: AP High Court Acquits Husband For Setting Wife Ablaze

Case Title: Dudekula Somaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh

Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 678 of 2009

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 78

The Andhra Pradesh High Court acquitted a husband of culpable homicide booked for setting his wife on fire, observing that the prosecution had suppressed the wife's first dying declaration given to the duty doctor where she stated that she suffered burn injuries during a fire accident while she was sleeping.

Justice B.V.L.N. Chakravarthi held that the first dying declaration given by the deceased before the duty doctor was more reliable and stood corroborated by the testimony of the couple's child witness which remained unchallenged.

AP High Court Quashes Seizure Of Vehicle Allegedly Used For Transporting Drugs Over Non-Compliance Of Procedure Under NDPS Act

Case Title: Neerudi Dhanamma v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 7 of 2009

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 79

The Andhra Pradesh High Court set aside a trial court order directing seizure of a vehicle allegedly used for transporting narcotic substances under the NDPS Act observing that the mandatory procedure including affording an opportunity to the owner to establish absence of knowledge or connivance had not been followed.

Section 60(3) of the NDPS Act, 1985 permits confiscation of a conveyance used for transporting narcotic substances unless the owner proves absence of knowledge or connivance, while Section 63 mandates that no confiscation order can be passed without giving the affected person an opportunity of hearing.

DNA Test Cannot Be Sought To Deny Daughter's Paternity In Partition Suit; Other Evidence Must Be Led: AP High Court

Case Title: Saradaga Narasayya Reddy v. Dingu Kanaka Mahalakshmi

Case Number: Civil Revision Petition No. 1339/2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 80

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a party cannot seek DNA test to disprove paternity of his daughter in a partition suit, and the party must establish its case to disprove paternity through other evidence.

Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao held that the petitioner could not seek a DNA test to disprove the respondent's claim of being his daughter and said:

“Even assuming that the respondent is not a daughter of the petitioner herein. The petitioner cannot file an application to send the respondent for DNA test particularly when the plaintiff is claiming partition of the suit schedule properties to prove that the respondent is not a daughter of the petitioner. He has to adduce the evidence in any other manner to prove that the respondent is not the daughter of the petitioner. The petitioner cannot seek a DNA test. For whatever reason the trial Court has rightly dismissed the application. Hence, this Court does not find any merit.”

AP High Court Denies Bail To Navy Sailor Accused Of Sharing Sensitive Information With Pakistani Agent, Cites National Security Concerns

Case Title: Ashok Kumar Deg v. Union of India & Anr.

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO:841/2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 81

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has refused bail to an Indian Navy sailor booked under UAPA accused of sharing confidential information on Indian Naval ships and submarines with a suspected Pakistani intelligence agent, observing that the allegations pertains to matters affecting “national security of the country.”

A Division Bench comprising Justice K Suresh Reddy and Justice Tuhin Kumar Gedela noted that the appellant allegedly received Rs.4,501 for sharing such sensitive information and held that the gravity of the allegations did not warrant grant of bail.

AP High Court Closes Anticipatory Bail Plea Of Court Employee Accused Of Defaming District Judiciary Through Anonymous Petitions

Case Title: P S Ganesh Kumar v. State of Andhra Pradesh

Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 3029/2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 82

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has closed an anticipatory bail petition moved by a judicial department employee accused of circulating anonymous and defamatory petition against district judiciary after the State submitted that the custodial interrogation was not required.

The State submitted that notice has been issued to de-facto complainant, the investigation is still in progress and since the offences alleged are punishable with imprisonment below 7 years, the police would follow the procedure under Section 35(3) BNSS "as custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required in the present matter".

AP High Court Declines Anticipatory Bail To Cop Booked In Rape FIR Citing 'Strong Likelihood' Of Influencing Victim

Case Title: B China Mallaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh

Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 4075/2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 83

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has refused anticipatory bail to a Circle Inspector of Police accused in a rape case observing that there was a strong likelihood of the accused interfering with the investigation and influencing the victim.

Section 64(1) BNS provides punishment for the offence of rape with rigorous imprisonment of not less than ten years, which may extend to imprisonment for life, along with fine.

No Separate Govt Notification Needed To Reduce Commercial Dispute Threshold To ₹3 Lakh After 2018 Amendment: AP High Court Full Bench

Case Title: 3F Industries Limited & Ors. v. Transparent Technologies Solutions Private Limited & batch matters

Case Number: CRP No. 1847 of 2024 & batch

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 84

Andhra Pradesh High Court's full bench has clarified as to when the Commercial Courts (Amendment) Act, 2018 reducing the “specified value” for filing commercial disputes suits from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 3 Lakhs becomes operational, holding that no notification from central government was required for the threshold to operate.

Specified Value in relation to a commercial dispute, means that the value of the subject-matter of a suit shall not be less than Rs. 3 Lakh. The 2018 amendment brought down the specified value for filing a commercial dispute suit from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 3 Lakh.

In a 133 page order, the majority judgment of two judges ruled that the amendment became operative from May 3, 2018 and without requiring any notification from the Central Government. Meanwhile a separate opinion by the third judge has held that disputes valued between Rs. 3 Lakhs and below Rs. 1 crore could be entertained by Commercial Courts in Andhra Pradesh only after issuance of a State notification under Section 3(1A) of the Commercial Courts Act 2015.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Upholds Removal Of Ambedkar Statue Installed Overnight Without Permission

Case Title: Rasipogula Nagaraju & Ors. v. Abdul Rasul Shaik & Ors.

Case Number: Writ Appeal No. 513 OF 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 85

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has upheld directions for removal and shifting of Dr BR Ambedkar's statue allegedly installed without permission, obstructing a village road. It held that the installation was made despite cancellation of an earlier Gram Sabha resolution and during subsistence of Section 145 Cr.P.C. proceedings initiated to maintain public order.

Aadhaar Info Can Be Disclosed In Serious Forgery Cases With Safeguards; Accused Cannot Use Privacy As Shield: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Shri Sitaramanjaneyulu Elaprolu v. Union of India & Ors.

Case Number: Writ Appeal No. 252 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 86

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that Aadhaar-related information may be disclosed for criminal investigation of cases involving serious allegations of forgery with necessary safeguards, observing that a person accused of forgery cannot get away, if he has committed the offence, on ground of protection of his right to privacy.

A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice R. Raghunandan Rao observed that while Section 33(1) of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 places safeguards on disclosure of Aadhaar information, there is no absolute prohibition against release of such information when required for investigation.

Mere Presence Of Husband's Relatives At Marriage Ceremony Does Not By Itself Prove Instigation, Abetment To Commit Bigamy: AP High Court

Case Title: Chintherla Padmavathi v. State of A.P. & Ors.

Case Numbers: Criminal Revision Case Nos. 386 and 387 of 2007

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 87

The Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed a woman's plea challenging acquittal of certain relatives in a bigamy case, holding that mere presence of family elders at a second marriage, or their failure to prevent it, does not by itself establish abetment or instigation to commit bigamy.

AP High Court Quashes Wantonly Provoking Rioting Charge Against 2 Over Social Media Post Alleging Ex-MLA's Son Was Arrested In Drugs Case

Case Title: Lagadapati Praveen Kumar & Anr. v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr.

Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 5522 of 2021

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 88

The Andhra Pradesh High Court quashed the offence of 'wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot', lodged against two persons in connection with circulation of an allegedly false social media post in 2021 claiming that the son of a former MLA had been arrested in a drug case.

The Court held that the offence under Section 153(Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) IPC, was not attracted as there was no specific allegation against the petitioners that because of the "circulation of false propaganda there occurred rioting".

S.13B(2) HMA | Continuation Of Cooling-Off Period Where Couple Conciously Decides To Part Ways Can Prolong Hardship: AP High Court

Case Title: X & Anr. v. Nil

Case Number: Civil Revision Petition No.1405 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 89

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has reiterated that the six-month cooling-off period under Section 13-B(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, governing divorce by mutual consent, is directory and not mandatory, and may be waived where parties have genuinely settled all disputes and there is no possibility of reconciliation.

Justice Venkateswarlu Nimmagadda, while clarifying the object of the cooling-off period, observed:

“This Court reiterates that the object of Section 13-B(2) is to provide a reasonable opportunity to the parties to reconsider their decision and explore the possibility of reunion. However, when the parties have been living separately for a considerable period, have settled all supplementary issues, and have consciously decided to part ways, the continuation of the statutory period would serve no useful purpose. On the contrary, it would result in prolonging the agony and hardship of the parties. The law does not mandate the preservation of a matrimonial bond that has irretrievably broken down and where there is no likelihood of reconciliation.”

Sriharikota Rocket Station Evacuees Are Assignees Of Govt Land Under GO, Can't Claim Absolute Ownership Based On Later Memo: AP High Court

Case Title: M/s. Sri City Pvt. Ltd. & Ors. v. N. Sakkubayamma & Ors.

Case Numbers: W.A. Nos. 205, 259 of 2014, 848 of 2022 and W.P. No. 26568 of 2014

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 90

Clarifying the legal status of lands assigned to Sriharikota Rocket Station evacuees under a 1970 rehabilitation scheme, the Andhra Pradesh High Court held that such persons were assignees of Government land with restricted rights and could not claim absolute ownership based on a subsequent memo or revenue entries.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Ravi Nath Tilhari and Justice Maheswara Rao Kuncheam examined the legality of resumption proceedings initiated by the State for establishment of an Industrial Park and Special Economic Zone.

AP Nurses Association Does Not Perform Public Functions, Writ Won't Lie Against Appointment Of Election Officer By State Govt: High Court

Case Title: D. Manjula Devi v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case Number: W.P. Nos. 24577 of 2024 and 692 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 91

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has dismissed two writ petitions filed by a nurse challenging the conduct of elections to the AP Government Nurses Association, holding that disputes relating to elections of a private society cannot be adjudicated in writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Justice Nyapathy Vijay held that the Andhra Pradesh Government Nurses Association is a private body constituted for the welfare of its members and that the mere appointment of the Election Officer by the State did not transform the Association into a public body.

Single Mother Can Apply For Child's Passport Without Father's Consent If Prescribed Declarations Are Filed: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Shaik Shabana v. Union of India & Anr.

Case Number: W.P. No. 2768 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 92

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a single mother is entitled to apply for a passport for her minor child without the consent or signature of the father, provided the prescribed declarations under the Passport Rules are furnished.

Under the Passport Rules, 1980, particularly Column 16 of the Guidelines for filling up passport application forms and Clause 4.8 of the Passport Manual/Guidelines, a single parent may apply for a minor child's passport without the other parent's consent by furnishing the prescribed affidavit/declarations.

'Approached Court With Unclean Hands': AP High Court Rejects Review Plea After Finding Bidders Obtained Interim Orders By Suppressing Facts

Case Title: Nagalla Venkateswarlu & Ors. v. Sri Rahul Pandey, IFS & Ors.

Case Number: Review I.A. No. 2 of 2024 in C.C. No. 5763 of 2023

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 93

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has dismissed a review petition filed by bidders in an agricultural market auction, holding that they had suppressed material facts and obtained interim orders despite being aware that the auction process had been completed and agreements executed with successful bidders.

The Court found the review petition to be not maintainable and an abuse of process of law.

The petitioners had filed a plea seeking review of an order dated October 28, 2024 passed in a contempt case relating to the auction of shops conducted by the Sarvepalli Agricultural Market Committee. The petitioners had sought review of findings that they had filed the contempt proceedings for extraneous reasons, suppressed material facts, and were liable to pay costs of Rs. 2,000 each.

AP High Court Remands Plea Seeking Enforcement Of Circular Barring Foreign-Returned Priests From Performing Temple Duties

Case Title: Godavarthi Srinivasacharyulu v. D.S.S.S. Subrahmanyam Somayaji & Ors.

Case No.: W.A. No. 533 of 2026.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 94

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has set aside an order directing authorities to implement a 2010 Endowments Department circular barring archakas (priests) who had travelled abroad from performing Archakatwam in the Garbhalayam (sanctum sanctorum) of Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

The court held that material facts and pending proceedings challenging the validity of the circular itself were not brought to the notice of the Single Judge and thus remanded the matter.

'No One Has Right To Obstruct Public-Way: AP High Court Directs Adoni Municipality To Remove Encroachments From Layout Road In 5 Weeks

Case Title: R.P. Kousalya v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case Number: W.P. No. 10909 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 95

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed municipal authorities to remove encroachments from a 33-foot-wide layout road in Adoni after issuing show cause notices to the encroachers, holding that no person has a right to obstruct a public way and that private interests must yield to public interest.

Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad while presiding over the case directed the Adoni Municipality to issue show cause notices to all encroachers, granting them 10 days to two weeks to voluntarily dismantle and remove the encroachments.

AP High Court Refuses To Interfere With Proposed Construction Of Public Toilet On Municipal Land, Directs Maintenance Of Hygiene

Case Title: Kapuganti China Swamy Setty & Ors. v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case Number: W.P. No. 13064 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 96

The Andhra Pradesh High Court declined to interfere with the proposed construction of a public toilet on Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation's land (GVMC) located adjacent to the petitioners residential property who had objected on the ground of apprehended loss of hygiene and utility.

The court however asked the agency managing the toilets and the authorities to ensure that toilets are maintained absolutely clean and shall also ensure that foul smell shall not emanate from the toilets that may cause inconvenience to the residents.

AP High Court Quashes Atrocity FIR, Says Private Monetary Dispute Can't Be Camouflaged As Caste‑Based Offences In Absence Of Ingredients

Case Title: Pasupuleti Chinachennaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Anr.

Case No.: Criminal Petition No. 12317 of 2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 97

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against a man accused of caste-based abuse under the SC/ST Act and insulting a woman's modesty, holding that the allegations did not disclose the essential ingredients of the offences alleged.

The Court noted that the complaint did not allege that the purported caste-based insults were made "within public view" as required under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and observed that the dispute appeared to arise from private monetary transactions between the parties.

Parties Can Engage Private Expert In Commercial Suits But Admissibility Of Expert Report Subject To Proof At Trial: AP High Court

Case Title: ISGEC Heavy Engineering Limited v. M/s FE Engineering

Case Nos.: Civil Revision Petition Nos. 1209 and 1210 of 2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 98

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that parties in civil and commercial disputes may rely on reports prepared by privately engaged experts, however the admissibility and evidentiary value of such reports would be tested during trial.

A Division Bench of Justice Ravi Nath Tilhari and Justice Balaji Medamalli dismissed a civil revision petition filed by ISGEC Heavy Engineering Limited, which had challenged an order of the Commercial Court at Vijayawada permitting M/s FE Engineering to place on record an expert report prepared by a claims expert engaged by the plaintiff.

Mere Pendency Of Criminal Case No Bar For Renewal Of Passport: AP High Court

Case Title: Sattaru Ram Mohan Rao v. Union of India & Ors.

Case Nos.: Writ Petition No. 14854 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 99

Directing the directed passport authorities to consider a teenager's passport application–booked in a criminal case where cognizance had not been taken, the Andhra Pradesh High Court said that mere pendency of a criminal case is not a bar for renewing the passport.

The petitioner-16-year-old boy, made an application before regional passport officer for the issuance of a passport. A shortfall notice, dated 15.05.2026 was issued seeking clarification due to an adverse police verification report, pointing out the petitioner‟s involvement in crime. The State on instructions, submitted that the Police have not filed any final report before the jurisdictional Court.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Raps Authorities For 'Arm-Twisting' Ex-Serviceman, Orders Removal Of Land From Prohibited List

Case Title: M. Appa Rao v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

Case No.: W.P. No. 2018 of 2025

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 100

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has pulled up revenue authorities for adopting an "arm twisting method" to deny and delay relief to an 80-year-old ex-serviceman, while directing them to remove his land from the prohibited properties list and grant consequential reliefs within two months. [Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 100]

Justice B. Krishna Mohan observed:

"It is a classic case of adopting arm twisting method by the respondent authorities concerned to deny and delay the relief sought by the petitioner by protracting the litigation on one count or the other and unless quietus is shown to this lis, justice will not be met and the individual would suffer an irreparable loss and hardship.”

AP High Court Upholds Daughters' Share In Ancestral Property, Rejects Brother's Challenge To Their Legitimacy

Case Title: T. Satyanarayana v. Turangi Somaraju (Died) & Others

Case No.: Second Appeal No. 817 of 2012

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 101

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has upheld the right of six daughters born from a second marriage to claim equal shares in ancestral family property, while dismissing a second appeal filed by their half-brother who had disputed both their legitimacy and entitlement to partition. [2026 LiveLaw (AP) 101]

Justice V. Gopala Krishna Rao was hearing a second appeal against a judgment that had reversed the trial court's dismissal of a partition suit and granted relief to the plaintiffs.

AP High Court Quashes ₹5 Crore Demand Against PSU, Says Dispute Over Meter Recording Must Be Referred To Electricity Inspector

Case Title: Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. v. Chairman, Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. & Others

Case No.: W.P. No. 5501 of 2004

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 102

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that disputes regarding the correctness of a meter's recording must be referred to the Chief Electrical Inspector to Government (CEIG) under Section 26(6) of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910. [2026 LiveLaw (AP) 106]

In doing so, the Court quashed a Rs. 5.27 crore back-billing demand raised by the Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited (APEPDCL) to Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), finding that the Terms and Conditions of Supply which apply only to defective meters was wrongly invoked even though the meter itself was not defective.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Rejects Husband's Transfer Plea, Says Family Court's Insistence On Personal Appearance Doesn't Show Bias

Case Title: Varun Jeeri v. Siddavatam Pujitha @ Pujitha Jeeri

Case No.: Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Petition No. 387 of 2025.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 103

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has dismissed a husband's petition seeking transfer of a matrimonial case from Family Court at Tirupati, holding that the Family Court's insistence on his personal appearance in the proceedings could not, by itself, give rise to an apprehension of bias or justify transfer of the case.[2026 LiveLaw (AP) 103]

Justice V. Gopala Krishna Rao was hearing a transfer petition filed by a husband seeking withdrawal of a restitution of conjugal rights petition pending before the Family Court, Tirupati, and its transfer to another competent court in Chittoor district.

AP High Court Upholds Registered Will As Last Testament, Rejects Rival Unregistered Will Citing Suspicious Circumstances

Case Title: S. Annapoorna (Died) & Others v. S. Satyanarayana Murthy & Others

Case No.- Second Appeal no. 494 of 2016

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 104

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that in a dispute involving rival Wills, an unregistered Will surrounded by suspicious circumstances cannot displace a duly proved registered Will, and the “latest valid testament” would prevail when earlier document is not established in accordance with law. [2026 LiveLaw (AP) 104]

A Single Judge Bench of Justice V. Gopala Krishna Rao dismissed an appeal challenging the judgment of the first appellate court which had reversed the trial court's dismissal of a suit relating to declaration of title, possession and damages over a residential property at Kakinada.

AP High Court Quashes Cruelty FIR Against Husband, Says Same Evidence That Led To In-Laws' Acquittal Can't Subject Him To Ordeal Of Trial

Case Title: Dama Sudhir v. B. Sai Chaithanya & Another

Case No.: Criminal Petition No. 1148 of 2023

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 105

The Andhra Pradesh High Court quashed a cruelty and dowry demand case against husband, observing that the prosecution evidence had already been disbelieved during the trial of his parents who were acquitted of the same allegations and thus compelling the husband to undergo a separate trial would amount to waste of Court's time. [2026 LiveLaw (AP) 105]

Justice K. Sreenivasa Reddy allowed the husband's criminal petition seeking quashing of the proceedings pending against him, noting that:

"In the present case on hand also, the evidence of material prosecution witnesses recorded in split up case found untrustworthy and in that event, even if trial is to be proceeded with, same witnesses have to be examined and same evidence has to be let in, which is waste of time of the Court and there are no chances of conviction. When such is the case, there is no point in allowing the petitioner/A1 to face the entire ordeal of trial.

In view of the aforesaid circumstances, this Court is convinced and quashes the proceedings in respect of petitioner/A1."

AP High Court Transfers Cheque Bounce Case For 'Convenience' Of Female Accused

Case Title: Mekala Sindhu Priya v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Another

Case No.: Criminal Revision Case No. 194 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 106

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has transferred a cheque bounce case instituted against a woman from Sullurpet to Nellore, observing that convenience of parties specially of woman litigants is a relevant factor which must be taken into account while considering transfer petitions. [2026 LiveLaw (AP) 106]

Justice Venkata Jyothirmai Pratapa allowed a criminal revision petition filed by a woman accused in a case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, who sought transfer of the proceedings from Sullurpet to Nellore, citing the hardship of travelling nearly 100 kilometres for every hearing and the pendency of multiple disputes with her husband before courts at Nellore.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Acquits Accused In ACB Trap Case, Says FIR Lodged After Investigation Began

Case Title: Y. Ramachandrappa v. State of Andhra Pradesh and connected appeal

Case Nos.: Criminal Appeal Nos. 123 and 124 of 2008

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 107

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has acquitted two persons accused of bribery in a trap operation after finding that the investigating officer had conducted what the court described as a “table investigation”, holding that the FIR and crucial investigation records were prepared after the trap proceedings and not in accordance with law.[2026 LiveLaw (AP) 107]

The accused no. 1 was a Government servant and used to work as a Stockiest, while accused no. 2 was a private person. Accused no. 1 challenged conviction under Section 7(Offence relating to public servant being bribed), 13(1)(d) (criminal misconduct by public servant) Prevention of Corruption Act, while Accused No. 2 challenged conviction under Section 12 (Punishment for abetment of offences) of the PC act.

AP High Court Enhances Motor Accident Compensation To ₹10 Lakh Despite No Appeal By Claimants, Cites Future Prospects & Deceased's Age

Case No.: M.A.C.M.A. No. 1424 of 2014

Counsel for the Appellant: Aravala Rama Rao (Standing Counsel for APSRTC)

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 108

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has enhanced the compensation payable to the family of a deceased motor accident victim from Rs. 7.28 lakh to Rs. 10.06 lakh, in view of the deceased's future prospects and age even though the claimants had not filed an appeal. [2026 LiveLaw (AP) 108]

The Court observed that although the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had notionally fixed the deceased's monthly income at Rs. 5,000 despite evidence regarding his employment, the age of the deceased warranted addition towards future prospects.