Telangana Government Forms Committee to Resolve 20-Year Emaar Properties Dispute

In a major development aimed at resolving a long-pending legal tussle, the Telangana government has constituted a new committee of legal experts to address issues surrounding Emaar Properties’ controversial real estate projects in Hyderabad. This move is seen as a fresh attempt to bring closure to a 20-year-old dispute that has impacted several high-profile developments.

Background of the Emaar Dispute

The dispute dates back to 2001 when Dubai-based Emaar Properties entered into a joint venture with the then Andhra Pradesh government to develop luxury projects in Hyderabad, including a convention center, luxury hotel, golf course, and upscale villas. The agreement was made through the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC).

However, concerns soon arose over alleged irregularities in land allotment and revenue sharing. Investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) followed, leading to multiple court cases. These legal complications stalled progress on the projects and left investors, buyers, and government stakeholders in limbo for years.

Formation of a New Legal Panel

In February 2025, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held a meeting with Emaar founder Mohammed Alabbar and other senior company officials. Following the discussions, the state government decided to set up a new legal committee to support the resolution of the ongoing disputes.

This panel, comprising top legal experts, will work in coordination with an earlier Secretary-level committee that was established in 2015. The idea is to bring additional legal insight and direction to help break the deadlock and clear hurdles that have persisted for two decades.

UAE-Approved Legal Agency to Assist

Adding a new dimension to the resolution process, the Telangana government has also agreed to collaborate with a legal agency approved by the UAE government. This agency will study the various legal challenges involved in the Emaar case and provide independent recommendations. The Telangana legal panel will consult this agency and incorporate its suggestions to reach a fair and lawful solution.

A Step Toward Closure

This move by the Telangana government signals a renewed commitment to clearing long-standing legal blockages and re-energizing the state’s real estate sector. With international investors watching closely, resolving the Emaar dispute is also expected to boost investor confidence and improve the business environment in Hyderabad.

The outcome of this renewed legal initiative could finally bring closure to one of India’s longest-running real estate disputes—restoring momentum to key development projects and reassuring stakeholders across the board.