Telangana High Court directs GHMC to proceed with partial land acquisition for disputed Amberpet flyover project

The High Court has instructed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to proceed with partial land acquisition for the disputed flyover project in Amberpet, despite strong opposition from a local church.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court has instructed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to proceed with partial land acquisition for the disputed flyover project in Amberpet, despite strong opposition from a local church. The court was hearing a writ petition filed by Shalem Bible Church, located in Golnaka, which is challenging the GHMC’s decision to acquire a portion of the church’s land to facilitate the flyover’s construction. The petitioner contends that the church, a longstanding religious institution in the community, was informed in June 2017 about the need to surrender 94.20 square yards of land. However, the church argues that it is being unfairly singled out for land acquisition, while other religious structures along the flyover route, including temples, dargahs, and graveyards, have been exempted from demolition. The petitioners allege that the GHMC’s decision was made without proper consultation, and they are calling for a realignment of the flyover to avoid damaging the church. The church has also claimed that while it does not possess official ownership documents, it has held possession of the land for several decades. Additionally, the petitioners pointed out that other parties involved in the land acquisition process were compensated, while the church was excluded from discussions and compensation arrangements. The counsel for the unofficial respondents presented a 1964 document, which appears to show official ownership of the disputed land, potentially weakening the church’s case. After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Vijaysen Reddy instructed GHMC to continue the flyover construction while ensuring that the main church structure is protected. The judge permitted the demolition of the church’s compound wall and allowed the acquisition of the front portion of the property needed for the flyover. Maintaining the status quo for the time being, the court adjourned the case for further hearing.

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2. A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Sreenivas Rao has scheduled for final hearing the case pertaining to the sale of spy cameras in the state following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Heaven Homes Society, Hyderabad. The petition calls for the formulation of specific guidelines or restrictions regarding the rampant sale of spy cameras both online and offline, citing serious privacy violations. The PIL alleges that the unchecked sale of these microscopic cameras, which can be easily concealed and used without detection, poses a grave threat to personal privacy. The petitioners argue that such devices can be surreptitiously installed in private and public spaces, leaving individuals unaware of the invasion of their privacy. A major concern raised by the petitioners is the increasing risk to women, as these spy cameras are readily available at affordable prices, making them accessible to perpetrators with malicious intent. The petition further claims that images and videos recorded by these cameras are often uploaded to online pornography sites without the victims’ consent, leading to severe consequences, including emotional trauma and even suicides. In response to the allegations, the bench has decided to post the matter for final hearing in January 2025.

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3. A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Sreenivas Rao issued notices to the state government and key officials in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Siddhagoni Balraj. The PIL seeks the closure of illegal toddy shops operating in Hyderabad district and surrounding areas, citing concerns over public health and the violation of the law. The petitioner, Siddhagoni Balraj, stated that despite multiple representations made to the state authorities, there has been no significant action taken to address the illegal sale and consumption of toddy in the region. The court has directed the Telangana government, represented by the Principal Secretary of the Prohibition and Excise Department, along with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the department, to respond to the petition.