Jubilee Ballpark residents cry foul over illegal shops on premises; no action from GHMC despite HC order

Hyderabad: Nearly two years after the Telangana High Court directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to take action against alleged illegal commercial conversions at Jubilee Ballpark Apartments in Jubilee Hills, residents say authorities have failed to enforce the court’s orders, leaving them trapped in a prolonged legal and civic battle.

Despite clear instructions from the court in August 2023 and multiple representations by the apartment owners, the GHMC has neither rectified the violations nor provided residents with a timeline for action, prompting the welfare society to consider contempt proceedings against civic officials.

From residential haven to commercial hub

The Jubilee Ballpark Apartment complex, developed by Jayadharani Projects (JD Projects) with GHMC’s approval in 2016, was originally sanctioned for 50 residential units over a net area of 4,638.61 square yards. Occupancy was granted in 2019 under strict residential zoning.

However, residents allege that shortly after obtaining the Occupancy Certificate (OC), the developers illegally converted eight prime road-facing residential flats—G001 to G004 on the ground floor, and 1001 to 1004 on the first floor—into commercial units by encroaching on common areas such as corridors and lobbies, thereby altering the structure in violation of the approved building plan.

Encroachment and safety concerns

According to the Flat Owners’ Welfare Society, the developers increased the built-up area of these flats by an excess of approximately 1,370 square feet, space that was originally earmarked and sold as part of the common area to all residents. The society claims this not only violates their ownership rights but also compromises ventilation, lighting and fire safety norms.

One particular concern is the presence of a paint mixing shop in the ground floor unit—a hazardous commercial activity within a residential building. Residents argue that such operations pose serious fire risks and are grossly inappropriate under the residential zoning code.

High Court steps in—but GHMC fails to follow through

In response to the society’s formal complaint, the Telangana High Court passed orders in WP No. 21979 of 2023, dated August 29, 2023.

The order directed GHMC to inspect the site, notify all involved parties—including the developers—and resolve the issue ‘strictly in accordance with law,’ within four weeks.

Despite this clear mandate, residents allege that GHMC has taken no meaningful action.

The matter was initially handled by Circle-18 (Jubilee Hills), only to be later transferred to Circle-19 (Yousufguda), citing jurisdictional boundaries. Hearings were held inconsistently, inspection reports were not shared, and no conclusive enforcement action was taken.

A trail of delays and missed deadlines

Between October 2023 and April 2025, residents submitted more than a dozen formal reminders and follow-ups.

Hearings were repeatedly postponed due to the unavailability of officials or absence of developers’ representatives. On several occasions, the Town Planning wing failed to conduct scheduled inspections or submit reports on time.

The last hearing was held on June 22, 2024, where developers were granted an additional two days to file their response, with the assurance that failure to do so would result in unilateral action. Residents say this assurance too was never acted upon.

“This isn’t just neglect—it’s deliberate indifference to a High Court order and to public safety. Even after 20 months and continuous cooperation from our side, we are still waiting for a final resolution,” said a senior member of the Flat Owners’ Society.

Next steps: Legal action and contempt petition

Exasperated by administrative inaction, the society is now planning to file a contempt petition in the Telangana High Court against GHMC for failing to comply with judicial orders. “We have exhausted every channel of representation. This issue is no longer just about unauthorised construction; it is about upholding the rule of law,” said the society’s legal advisor.

They also alleged that GHMC granted provisional permissions for commercial activity in clear contradiction of both zoning regulations and ongoing legal proceedings—a move the society claims is ‘unlawful and damaging’ to the residential nature of the complex.

A call for accountability

As the impasse continues, residents are urging GHMC commissioner RV Karnan to intervene directly, enforce existing court orders, and restore the building to its sanctioned residential use. They are also calling for disciplinary action against the officials who, despite judicial backing, have allowed the violations to persist.