Ward division: Telangana asks state, GHMC to file counters within 3 weeks

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has directed the state government and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to file their counters within three weeks in connection with the ward re-division process in the GHMC limits.

The court said that if they fail to file counters, they will have to pay a penalty of ₹5,000 to the State Legal Services Authority.

HC sets three-week deadline for counters

Hearing a writ petition challenging the delay in undertaking ward re-division as per G.O. Ms. No. 570 issued in 1996, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin on Monday granted the government and GHMC a final opportunity to submit their counters.

The Bench made it clear that if the counters are not filed within the stipulated three weeks, the authorities concerned will have to deposit ₹5,000 as costs with the State Legal Services Authority.

Petition challenges delay since 1996 G.O.

The petition was filed by Hyderabad resident Syed Saleem and another, questioning the failure of the authorities to carry out ward re-division in accordance with G.O. 570 of 1996.

During the hearing, counsel representing the State government and GHMC sought three weeks to file their responses. The court allowed the request but cautioned that this would be the final opportunity.

Case posted after four weeks

The Bench directed the petitioner to file a reply counter within a week thereafter and adjourned the matter for four weeks for further hearing.

The case assumes significance in view of the long-pending issue of ward re-division within the GHMC limits and its implications for urban governance in Hyderabad.