Hyderabad: The historic Sacred Heart Church in Lallaguda, which has stood for nearly 100 years, received railways notice over unauthorized occupancy on railway land, spanning 3,534 square metres.
The notice states: “It has come to our attention that your religious structure, Sacred Heart Church, located on railway land at the SLGD Officers and Staff Colony, was constructed illegally and constitutes an encroachment.”
The notice further warns, “In light of this, you are hereby directed to vacate the encroached land by December 12, 2024, which is one month from the receipt of this notice. Failure to comply will result in eviction proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, and legal action may be initiated.”
However, members of the Christian community argue that religious buildings with proper documentation will not be affected. They stress that only those without valid paperwork will face demolition. They also assert that their church, established during the British era, is not involved in any encroachment.
“We have already clarified our status with the railway authorities and have no cause for concern. This notice is a general advisory issued to all religious places, irrespective of faith,” said Roydin Roach, Christian Minority Coordinator.
