Telangana High Court refuses blanket stay on HYDRAA demolitions

Dr. KA Paul, appearing in person, addressed the court, expressing the distress and anguish of those affected by "unprecedented demolitions."

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao, on Wednesday declined to grant interim orders in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a blanket stay on demolitions related to HYDRAA and the Musi River Beautification Project.

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The court’s decision came following an undertaking by the State’s Additional Advocate General, Imran Khan.

Dr. KA Paul, appearing in person, addressed the court, expressing the distress and anguish of those affected by “unprecedented demolitions.” He emphasized that over 462 structures were demolished by HYDRAA, questioning the adherence to the rule of law during these extensive operations. The bench observed that the petitioner relied heavily on reports from print, electronic, and social media. However, the court noted that the legal precedent cited by the petitioner — a recent Supreme Court judgment — was not applicable in this case, particularly regarding encroachments on rivers and water bodies. The bench clarified that the aforementioned judgment concerned large-scale evictions, which did not align with the specifics of the current situation.

Additional Advocate General Imran Khan assured the court of the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and adhering to the prescribed legal procedures. Despite the dramatic presentations, the bench found no immediate need to pass interim orders, citing the undertaking provided by the State. However, the bench directed the government to submit a detailed counter for further consideration in future hearings.