GOVERNMENT OF A.P. vs KALLETI CHENGAIAH

The Supreme Court held that the Director of Settlement's suo motu power under Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Area) Estate (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari Act, 1948) can be exercised within a reasonable time, which depends on the facts of each case. The Court found that the High Court erred in setting aside the Director's order, as the Settlement Officer's earlier order was in contravention of the Act and the records had been destroyed. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, restoring the Director's order and setting aside the High Court's decisions.