Telangana HC critical of GHMC's handling of illegal structures

A two-judge panel comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy was critical of the manner in which the GHMC and its officials were dealing with illegal constructions.

Basing their order on an earlier February 2019 order, the panel wondered how the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation had turned a blind eye to multiple cases of illegal constructions. While the Chief Justice repeatedly questioned the Advocate General about the supervision by the GHMC, Justice Vijaysen Reddy probed into the various units that are required to supervise the activity.

The panel wanted the GHMC to submit a report by April 14. The report shall contain how many cases of illegal constructions have been



reported and handled, in how many cases lower courts have granted stay, and what action has been taken. The town planning supervisors and assistant city planners concerned under the Deputy Commissioner would have to get their act together.

Earlier, the matter relating to the GHMC in Kukatpally specifically and the Pedda Amberpet municipality were referred to the Bench by a single judge. The panel also pointed out that it appears that officials were in connivance with those who were guilty of illegal construction. Justice Vijaysen Reddy pointed that while officers in higher echelons are committed to the law, often, officials at the ground level are seen in connivance with the erring residents.