What are Prohibited Lands? How to Identify Them in Telangana & AP

Buying land is one of the biggest financial decisions in anyone’s life. But in states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, buyers often face a critical hurdle — prohibited lands. These are properties that cannot be sold, purchased, or registered due to legal restrictions. Many unsuspecting investors have lost money or faced years of litigation simply because they did not verify whether the land was “prohibited” before purchase.

In this blog, we’ll explain what prohibited lands are, why they exist, the latest updates from the Telangana High Court, and most importantly, how you can identify them before investing.

What Are Prohibited Lands?

“Prohibited lands” are parcels of land that cannot be registered or transferred because they are under legal, government, or institutional restrictions. They are flagged in official records to protect public assets, community resources, and to prevent fraudulent transactions.

Common Types of Prohibited Lands:

1. Assigned Lands – Lands given by the government to weaker sections for cultivation or housing, which cannot be sold or transferred.
   
   

2. Endowment Lands – Temple, church, mosque, or trust-owned properties that are protected for religious/community purposes.
   
   

3. Waqf Properties – Lands managed by Waqf Boards, reserved for charitable or religious activities.
   
   

4. Forest & Tribal Lands – Reserved for ecological balance or allotted exclusively to tribal communities.
   
   

5. Government Land – Any parcel owned by the state that cannot be transferred to private individuals.
   
   

6. Ceiling Surplus Lands – Lands exceeding legal ownership limits under land ceiling acts.
   
   

Owning or trying to register these lands may lead to cancellation of registration, legal disputes, and even criminal cases.

Latest News: Telangana High Court on Prohibited Lands

Big Update from Telangana High Court!

Recently, the Telangana High Court directed the Chief Secretary to send a fresh list of banned (prohibited) lands to all district registrars within 9 days.

• The court emphasized no more delays — registrars must get updated records immediately.
  
  

• This move came after several complaints from landowners who faced hurdles while registering their properties because officials cited outdated or unclear land records.
  
  

• The HC has asked the government to take strict action and provide clear status reports so that genuine buyers and sellers don’t get trapped in confusion.
  
  

👉 This decision is expected to bring greater transparency in property transactions across Telangana. It will also help citizens easily verify whether a property is prohibited before entering into a sale agreement.

How to Identify Prohibited Lands in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh

Checking if land is prohibited is now simpler than before, thanks to digital records. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Bhu Bharati (Telangana)

• Go to Bhu Bharati Portal → Select Prohibited Lands (Agricultural).
  
  

• Choose District → Mandal → Village and click Search.
  
  

• The list of survey numbers under prohibited category will appear.
  
  

• If your survey number is in the list → the land is prohibited; if not → it’s not listed as prohibited.

  
  

• If wrongly listed, you can file a grievance through citizen login & MeeSeva.
  
  

2. IGRS Portal (Andhra Pradesh)

• Go to IGRS Portal → registration.ap.gov.in.
  
  

• Click the Prohibited Properties option.
  
  

• Select District → Mandal → Village, then enter Survey Number.
  
  

• Click Search.

• If your survey number shows up → land is prohibited.
  
  

• If not → land is not listed as prohibited.
  
  

3. Sub-Registrar’s Office Verification

• Always visit the local sub-registrar’s office.
  
  

• Request for an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) and verify if any restrictions are listed.
  
  

4. Check Endowment & Waqf Boards

For religious/community properties, check directly with the concerned Endowments Department or Waqf Board.

5. Legal Due Diligence

• Engage a real estate lawyer to conduct title verification.
  
  

• They can identify hidden risks that may not show up in online records.
  
  

Why Are Prohibited Lands Important for Buyers to Know?

1. Avoid Legal Battles – Buying restricted land may lead to years of court cases.
   
   

2. Financial Safety – Once registered, such transactions may be canceled, causing huge financial losses.
   
   

3. Resale Challenges – Even if you manage to buy, selling prohibited land later becomes nearly impossible.
   
   

4. Government Scrutiny – The state actively monitors these properties; illegal transactions can be reversed.
   
   

Safe Property Investment: Buyer’s Checklist

If you are looking to invest in land in Telangana or Andhra Pradesh, here’s a simple checklist to follow:

1. Check land status on Bhu Bharati(TS) or IGRS Portal(AP).
   
   

2. Obtain Encumbrance Certificate from Sub-Registrar.
   
   

3. Verify ownership & legal status with local revenue officials.
   
   

4. Cross-check with Endowments/Waqf Boards if relevant.
   
   

5. Consult a lawyer for thorough title verification.

   
   

6. Ensure the layout is DTCP/VMRDA/HMDA approved (for plotted developments).
   
   

7. Avoid cash transactions; always go through banking channels.
   
   

Prohibited Lands and the Bigger Picture

Interestingly, the push for transparency in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is part of a larger trend across India. States are digitizing land records to:

• Protect vulnerable communities (farmers, tribals).
  
  

• Safeguard government and temple properties.
  
  

• Boost investor confidence in real estate.
  
  

• Reduce corruption and middlemen at registration offices.
  
  

With the Telangana High Court’s intervention, buyers can expect faster updates, cleaner records, and fewer chances of fraud.

Conclusion

Buying land in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh comes with exciting opportunities, especially with upcoming infrastructure projects and urban growth. But the risk of falling into the prohibited lands trap is real.

The latest directive from the Telangana High Court to update and circulate fresh lists of banned lands within 9 days is a welcome step toward transparency. For buyers, it means fewer surprises at the registrar’s office and more clarity before making an investment.

👉 The takeaway is simple: Do your homework before you buy. Verify every detail through Dharani (TS), Meebhoomi (AP), or official records, and always consult a property lawyer. Safe investment begins with informed decisions — and in the world of real estate, knowledge truly is power.