HYDRAA faces wrath of Telangana High Court over demolitions

Justice Lakshman expresses serious dissatisfaction over the agency for demolishing structures by violating rules

Hyderabad: Justice K Lakshman of the Telangana High Court on Monday directed Rajasekhar, Inspector of HYDRAA, to appear before the court on February 20.

Justice Lakshman expressed serious dissatisfaction over HYDRAA for demolishing structures by violating rules. He noted that HYDRAA granting 24-hour time to citizens to respond with all documents is insufficient.

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Further, the judge faulted the HYDRAA’s attitude in conducting hearings on the second Saturday and demolishing structures on Sundays. It highlighted that the said actions of HYDRAA are in gross violation of the legal procedure and the principle laid down by the full Bench of combined Andhra Pradesh Court in 3 Aces, Hyderabad v Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad.

The directive came while hearing a writ petition filed by Alagari Praveen, who alleged that HYDRAA officials demolished a tin shed on his property in Muthangi village in Sangareddy district without considering his explanation.

The petitioner, represented by advocate N Praveen Reddy, contended that the petitioner’s land was legally purchased and converted for non-agricultural use, with valid building permissions obtained from the former Muthangi Gram Panchayat before it was merged into Tellapur Municipality.

Despite this, HYDRAA demolished his structure without proper notice, and even lodged a police complaint against him, leading to criminal proceedings. During the hearing, Advocate Katika Ravinder Reddy, representing HYDRAA, conceded that several petitions were filed against HYDRAA for issuing 24-hour demolition notices and conducting operations over weekends.

Taking note of the contentions of the petitioner, the court expressed serious concerns over the violations committed by HYDRAA. Accordingly, the HYDRAA and the Tellapur Municipal Commissioner were directed to maintain a status quo with regard to the petitioner’s property.

The inspector of the agency has been asked to appear before the court on Thursday and render his explanation.