IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE, ANDHRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD (Special Original Jurisdiction) THURSDAY, THE SEVENTEENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY TWO THOUSAND AND ELEVEN PRESENT THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE V.ESWARAIAH WRIT PETITION No.7014 of 2005 Between: V.Ravindra and 3 others ..... PETITIONERS AND The District Collector, West Godavari District and 2 others .....RESPONDENTS The Court made the following: THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE V.ESWARAIAH WRIT PETITION No.7014 of 2005 O R D E R: None appears for the respondents. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner. No counter is forthcoming from the respondents. It is the case of the petitioners that each of them have occupied the Government land of an extent of Ac.2.00 each in Sy.No.1/2YA, 68/1, 1/2YA and 1/2YA respectively situated at Bedarala village of Pedavegi Mandal, West Godavari District and they were in possession of the same. They reclaimed the said land and brought it under cultivation. The petitioners made a representation dated 23.03.2005 to the respondents requesting to allot the said lands in their favour. But without considering the application of the petitioners dated 23.03.2005, they are taking steps to assign the said land in favour of others. It is stated that as per the Board Standing Order No.15 of the A.P.Board of Revenue Standing Orders, they are entitled to preferential consideration as they are in possession. I am of the opinion that while taking up the assignment programme of the Government land after evicting the encroachers, it should consider the claims of the persons who are in possession as well as the persons who are entitled for preferential consideration depending upon their poverty and entitlement. Therefore, I am of the opinion that the poorest of the poor among the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Backward Communities and weaker sections are entitled for assignment, and if any of the persons belong to the above category are found in possession, of course they are entitled for preferential consideration. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, the Writ Petition is disposed of, directing the respondents to consider and dispose of the application of the petitioners, while considering the claims of others for assignment of the Government land, in accordance with law. Till then, the status quo granted by this Court shall continue. No order as to costs. ________________ V.ESWARAIAH,J Dated: 17.02.2011 Dsr