Telangana HC slams HYDRAA for fencing private land at Mallapur; slaps ₹1L fine
Remove fencing on Mallapur private land, pay ₹1L compensation: Telangana HC to HYDRAA
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Remove fencing on Mallapur private land, pay ₹1L compensation: Telangana HC to HYDRAA
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has directed HYDRAA to immediately remove fencing on two private plots in Mallapur and pay ₹1 lakh compensation to the landowners.
The court observed that authorities cannot fence land as government property” without verifying records or respecting prior court orders.
Court questions verification process
Hearing separate petitions filed by Jonnalagadda Padmini and another petitioner, Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar questioned the manner in which the fencing was undertaken.
The judge observed that while protecting government land is a legitimate objective, authorities must first verify documentary evidence before taking coercive action.
The court remarked that officials cannot put up fencing first and then search for records to justify their action. If necessary, they should obtain permission from the competent court before proceeding, it said.
Lower court orders ignored
The dispute relates to two plots measuring 500 square yards each in Survey No. 100 at Babanagar Housing Society in Mallapur, Uppal mandal of Rangareddy district.
An Advocate Commissioner appointed by the High Court submitted a report stating that a lower court had already declared the plots as private property and granted a permanent injunction in favour of the owners. No appeal was filed against those orders. Despite this, fencing was erected and a board installed, claiming the land as government property.
The court questioned how such action could be taken when judicial orders confirming private ownership were in force.
₹1 lakh penalty, daily fine warning
Taking serious note of the lapse, the High Court ordered the immediate removal of the fencing and directed HYDRAA to pay ₹1 lakh to the petitioners.
When counsel for the agency sought time to comply, the court refused and warned that if the fencing was not removed forthwith, HYDRAA would have to pay ₹1 lakh per day to the petitioners until compliance.
The order underscores the High Court’s insistence on due process and strict adherence to judicial rulings in matters concerning land ownership and protection.
