Hyderabad: Justice B Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana high court on Monday came down heavily on GHMC officials for failing to curb illegal constructions in Hyderabad, despite having area-wise officers tasked with monitoring and enforcement.“What do these officials do until the entire building is completed? Do they simply turn a blind eye during construction?” the judge asked while hearing a petition challenging a demolition notice issued to a resident of Guttala Begumpet near Madhapur.Criticising the GHMC’s response mechanism, the judge said that officials only issue “speaking orders” after being directed by the court—by which time the illegal construction is often complete. He said that what follows is nothing but “drama” in the name of demolition.Justice Vijaysen Reddy pointed out the irony in GHMC’s approach: While the authorities claim ignorance during construction, they are quick to identify and tax the same structures once completed.The petition was filed by Kamsali Raghuveera Achari, who contested the legality of the demolition notice, claiming it was contrary to the provisions of the GHMC Act. He urged the court to set aside the notice and sought protection against coercive action.Achari also requested the court to direct authorities to expedite a decision on his application submitted under the building regularisation scheme, which pertains to his flat in the disputed property.Taking note of the situation, Justice Vijaysen Reddy ordered that status quo be maintained until a decision is made on the BRS application. The matter was adjourned for further hearing next month.
