ORC Occupancy Rights Certificate 

What Is an ORC Proceeding?

An Occupancy Rights Certificate (ORC) is issued under the Telangana Abolition of Inams Act, 1955 and the accompanying Rules of 1975. This certificate effectively re-grants rights to land that were earlier exempt from revenue (“Inam” lands), following their abolition:

• All Inam lands were vested in the government on July 20, 1955, but occupants or Inamdars in possession as of November 1, 1973 remain eligible to be re-granted rights via an ORC (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
  
  

• Successors-in-interest—including purchasers or heirs—may also apply for an ORC, depending on circumstances and court interpretations (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
  
  

How ORC Proceedings Work: Step-by-Step

1. Application Submission
   The Inamdar, occupant, or their successor-in-interest files an application (Form I) with the Collector or Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) for issuance of an ORC (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
   
   

2. Notice & Enquiry
   A notice (Form II) is issued, followed by an enquiry to determine eligibility—including land extent, admissibility, and any premium payable (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
   
   

3. Order & Issuance
   If criteria are met and any required premium is paid, the Collector or RDO issues the ORC in Form III. Revenue records, pattadar passbook, and title deed are then updated accordingly (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
   
   

4. Record Updates
   ORC holders receive updated land records, including mutation, pattadar passbook, and title documentation (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
   
   

Legal Challenges & Key Judgments

• In Chama Narasimha Reddy v. Joint Collector, the court clarified only those in possession as of November 1, 1973, are automatically entitled to ORC, reinforcing the Act’s cutoff date (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
  
  

• In Bhimavarapu Venkaiah v. RDO, the court expanded this to include purchasers or successors-in-interest, if they can prove entitlement (TLH Advocates & Solicitors).
  
  

• The Telangana High Court in a December 2023 judgment set aside an ORC granted to legal representatives of an Inamdar, citing lack of due notice and procedural fairness violations (Live Law).
  
  

• Another instance highlighted that lands classified as waste or submerged (poramboke) are ineligible for ORC grants, and mere notarised sales without ORC are not valid basis for claim (Deccan Chronicle).
  
  

Summary Table: ORC Proceedings

Step

Description

Who can apply?

Inamdar, occupant in possession as of 1 Nov 1973, or their successors-in-interest

Application

Submit Form I along with supporting documents to Collector/RDO

Notice & Enquiry

Issuance of Form II; enquiry by Collector/RDO

Decision & Issuance

ORC issued in Form III after premium payment, if applicable

Records Updated

ORC recorded; revenue, pattadar passbook, and title deed updated

Legal Oversight

Failure to adhere to procedure (e.g. notice) or unjustified grants can be voided by courts