GHMC delimitation exercise mainly administrative, says Telangana HC

Telangana High Court Justice Vijaysen Reddy observed that GHMC delimitation is primarily an administrative exercise with limited scope for judicial intervention. The court directed the corporation to place its stand on objections before proceeding further

Hyderabad: Justice B Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court on Monday observed that delimitation of GHMC divisions is essentially an administrative exercise with very limited scope for judicial interference, while hearing a writ petition challenging the proposed delimitation. The petition alleged that GHMC Commissioner had failed to consider objections received in response to the preliminary delimitation notification issued on December 12.

The notification invited objections from the public, but despite representations being submitted, the grievances were not addressed, the petitioner contended. The plea was filed by C Vinay Kumar of Chikkadpally. He submitted that Chikkadpally division existed even prior to the formation of the GHMC and was later renamed as Ramnagar division. Under the present proposal, it is sought to be renamed again as Bagh Lingampalli Division No. 164, which, according to the petitioner, was unnecessary and unjustified.

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He further pointed out that the proposal envisages the merger of Achaiah Nagar, Padma Colony and other colonies near Chamundeshwari Apartments on the southern side into an adjacent division. The residents of these colonies, he said, were keen on continuing within the Ramnagar division. Such restructuring would result in the natural separation of Ramnagar areas and cause confusion at the local level, he argued. The petitioner therefore sought a direction to the GHMC Commissioner to issue the final delimitation notification only after duly considering and resolving the objections raised by the residents.

After a preliminary hearing, Justice Vijaysen Reddy noted that delimitation of municipal divisions is an administrative exercise and courts normally exercise restraint in interfering with such matters. The court, however, directed the GHMC to place its stand and adjourned the matter for further hearing to Tuesday.