Telangana HC raps HMDA for not responding to notice over relocating Osmania Hospital

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has pulled up the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) for failing to respond to a notice issued in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) opposing the state government’s move to relocate Osmania General Hospital (OGH) to the Goshamahal Police Stadium.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin directed the HMDA Commissioner to file a detailed reply within two weeks, cautioning that “costs will be imposed” in case of further delay.

Bench’s directive after State seeks time

The stern directive came after the Government Pleader sought additional time, stating that certain technical issues were yet to be addressed by the HMDA. The Bench reminded the State that notices had already been issued on July 11, 2025, and that the Commissioner had ample time to respond.

While the State Government has already filed its counter affidavit, it informed the court that replies to the counter affidavits filed by the petitioners would be submitted in due course.

PIL against Land Transfer for New OGH

The Bench was hearing a PIL filed by Gundolu Ramu, a yoga trainer and social worker from Goshamahal, questioning the legality of the Government’s decision to transfer 32 acres of Goshamahal Police Stadium land to the Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department for constructing a new OGH complex.

The land transfer was effected through GO Ms. No.45, issued on January 30, 2025, which the petitioner has sought to be suspended pending judicial review.

Petitioner’s Concerns

In his plea, the petitioner contended that the Goshamahal Police Stadium, spread across 32 acres, has long served as a venue for police training, parades, and community events.

Handing over the land for hospital construction, he argued, would deprive the Police Department of a crucial training and activity ground. He also questioned the necessity of shifting OGH to a different site instead of redeveloping it at its existing location.

State defends Policy Decision

During earlier hearings, the Advocate General had defended the move, describing it as a policy decision of the Telangana Government intended to provide citizens with modern and upgraded healthcare facilities.

He pointed out that the 110-year-old Osmania General Hospital building has become structurally unsafe and outdated, making it unsuitable for continued medical use. The government’s plan, he said, is to build a state-of-the-art hospital with improved patient amenities.

Notices to Top Officials

On July 11, 2025, the Chief Justice’s Bench issued notices to several top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries of Home, R&B, and Finance Departments, District Collector, Hyderabad, Commissioners of GHMC and HMDA, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, Director of Medical Education, and the Chief Engineer, directing them to submit their responses.

Next hearing in two weeks

After hearing the submissions on Monday, the Court adjourned the matter for two weeks. The court directed the HMDA Commissioner to comply with the order before the next date of hearing; failure to do so may result in costs being imposed.