Telangana HC raps State over illegal constructions by Fatima Owaisi Institute

The Telangana High Court, led by Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, criticised government authorities for failing to act against illegal constructions by influential educational institutions in Salkam Cheruvu Lake’s buffer zone, while showing zeal in demolishing poor and middle-class homes.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Thursday came down heavily on government authorities over alleged illegal constructions belonging to institutions such as the Barrister Fatima Owaisi Educational Campus and Salar-e-Millat Educational Trust in Salkam Cheruvu, questioning what it described as “selective action” in dealing with encroachments.

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Hearing a writ petition concerning constructions in the lake area, the Court expressed strong displeasure over the inaction of officials, remarking in open court, “Why this discrimination? There is enthusiasm when it comes to demolishing houses of the poor and middle class, but no such action against influential encroachers.”

The Court noted that despite clear indications of encroachments within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of the lake, authorities had failed to act for several years. It observed that structures belonging to institutions such as the Barrister Fatima Owaisi Educational Campus and Salar-e-Millat Educational Trust had come up over time without any effective intervention from the departments concerned.

Taking note of the record, the Court found it “striking” that from the initial stage of construction until completion, no meaningful steps were taken by officials to verify permissions or prevent illegal activity.

The Judge questioned whether officials from the Revenue, Municipal and Irrigation departments had “turned a blind eye” to the violations, and stressed that such inaction cannot be countenanced.

Emphasising accountability, the Court directed the Principal Secretaries of the Revenue, Irrigation, Municipal and School Education departments to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the role of officials who failed to act over the years. It made it clear that unless strict action is taken against erring officers, such violations would continue unchecked.

The Court also directed the authorities to submit a detailed report on the action taken. At the same time, mindful of the interests of students studying in the institutions located in the disputed area, the Court directed that those seeking free education be accommodated in government schools and colleges without disruption to their academic year.

The Registry was directed to communicate the order to all concerned authorities. The matter has been posted for further hearing for compliance.