A writ petition has been filed before the  High Court of Telangana by 102-year-old freedom fighter Penchala Rajalingam, seeking justice after waiting more than two decades for the 300 square yards of land promised to him under G.O. Ms. No. 185, Revenue Department, dated March 11, 1997.

A native of Karimnagar district, Rajalingam was born in 1922 in the erstwhile Hyderabad State and joined the Telangana Armed Struggle against the Nizam’s rule at the age of 21. He was arrested by the Nizam Police and imprisoned at Elgandal Fort in Karimnagar. After Independence, he dedicated his life to cooperative and labour movements, helping to organize agricultural labourers, bidi workers, and cultivators for fair wages and welfare. A recognised freedom fighter, he has been receiving the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension since 2003 and holds a valid freedom fighter identity card issued by the Government of India.

Speaking to Metro India, Rajalingam said that what he expects is not wealth but dignity. “The land allotment gives me a sense of satisfaction in my last days. Earlier, I fought hard for the country’s freedom. Now, I am still fighting for the honour that every freedom fighter deserves,” he said.

Advocate Nagalarapu Keerthi Simha, representing the petitioner, argued that despite several representations made between 2004 and 2025, the authorities have failed to act on his claim. The petition contends that such prolonged inaction amounts to a violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and the right to live with dignity. It also notes that while the State has been generous in granting land to modern achievers in sports and other fields, those who fought for the nation’s freedom are being forgotten. “The issue here is not property, but honour,” said Advocate Simha. “This centenarian freedom fighter is not asking for privilege or charity, only for the promise the State made to him as a recognition of his service. When a Republic forgets those who gave it life, it forgets a part of itself.”

The petition is currently under consideration by the Telangana High Court, with expectations that the case may prompt the government to re-examine its policies toward recognising freedom fighters’ sacrifices.