Hyderabad: The Telangana high court on Friday suggested mediation to resolve a batch of petitions filed by rice millers challenging the state govt’s notices seeking recovery of money for paddy supplied during the rabi 2022-23 season.Justice Surepally Nanda adjourned the matters to July 27 after the advocate general, A Sudarshan Reddy, sought time to place the proposal before the state govt and obtain instructions.The batch of petitions challenges a GO issued in May 2026 and the notices that followed, directing millers to pay ₹2,236.81 per quintal for paddy allotted to their mills.According to the millers, the govt fixed the amount unilaterally without issuing prior notices or granting them an opportunity for a personal hearing.They contended that the calculation ignored several factors, including the quality of the paddy as it existed in July 2026, handling and unloading charges, moisture loss and the resulting reduction in weight, godown rent, storage expenses, and other incidental costs.During the hearing, senior counsel Dr Venkat Reddy Donthi Reddy, appearing for the rice millers, submitted that the millers were not interested in being in conflict with the state govt and suggested that the dispute be referred to mediation.The counsel argued that such a course would protect both the interests of the state exchequer and those of the rice millers.Taking note of the submission, the judge observed that mediation could provide a faster and more effective resolution while ensuring both sides receive a fair opportunity to present their concerns.The judge further said the process could lead to creative and sustainable solutions, preserve the working relationship between the rice millers and the govt, and reduce litigation costs.The advocate general sought time to place the mediation proposal before the concerned govt authorities and report back to the court on the next date of hearing. The court accepted the request and posted the batch of cases to July 27, 2026 for further hearing.
