Telangana HC warns GHMC officers of public shaming over illegal constructions in Khanamet

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court came down heavily on the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for turning a blind eye to alleged illegal constructions in Khanamet, Rajendranagar Mandal.

The Court warned officials of public shaming if they continued to shirk their responsibilities.

Petitioners accuse GHMC of inaction

The court was hearing a petition filed by Syed Rahimunnisa and seven others, who alleged that Rayapati Pratibha, Rayapati Sriharsha, and GB Prasad were raising unauthorised structures on the land they claimed to own.

Despite repeated complaints, the petitioners said GHMC failed to intervene, forcing them to seek court orders for demolition of the illegal buildings.

Departments passing the buck

Justice B Vijaysen Reddy expressed deep displeasure over the civic body’s evasive approach, noting that departments were merely passing files without taking action.

“From GHMC to the task force, from the task force to the police, and the police citing law and order issues – this evasive attitude cannot be tolerated,” he observed.

Weekly reports or public naming

The judge warned that from next Monday onwards, weekly demolition reports must be submitted before the court. He said, “You all just wave your hands and claim you have done your job. If this continues, I will order that a poster displaying the names of all such negligent standing counsels and officials be lit up at night for public view.”

No demolitions until further orders

Issuing notices to the respondents, the court clarified that demolitions would not take place until further orders but asserted it would closely monitor the weekly updates to ensure accountability among officials.