`Mock display of enforcement’: Telangana HC slams GHMC for failing to curb unauthorised constructions

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has slammed municipal authorities for their persistent failure to curb unauthorised constructions.

Justice B. Vijayasen Reddy hit out at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for its inaction.

“Even God cannot set them right,” Justice Reddy remarked, highlighting the rampant negligence and indifference of civic officials towards illegal building activity in the city.

Court questions role of Municipal Staff

The court was hearing a petition filed by K Raghuveer Achari, a resident of Guttala Begumpet in Serilingampally mandal, who challenged a demolition notice issued under Section 462 of the GHMC Act, 1955.

The notice was served by the Deputy Commissioner of the Chandanagar Circle. During the proceedings, Justice Reddy questioned the conduct of municipal staff and their failure to act in time against illegal constructions.

“Do the area inspectors wear blindfolds?” the court asked, criticising the officials for ignoring the problem during the construction phase and only springing into action once buildings are completed.

Mock display of enforcement, says Judge

Justice Reddy said illegal multi-storeyed buildings mushroom right under the noses of municipal authorities, who turn a blind eye. He added that enforcement officials “suddenly wake up” once construction is completed and launch demolitions in a “mock display of duty.”

The court noted the GHMC Act empowers authorities under Section 461 to seize unauthorised structures at the early stage itself, but this provision is rarely enforced proactively.

Municipal double standards exposed

Highlighting the double standards, Justice Reddy remarked that while such constructions remain “invisible” to officials during building, they somehow become “visible” when it’s time to collect property taxes. The court blamed the unchecked growth of unauthorised buildings across Telangana squarely on civic apathy and inaction.

Status Quo ordered for demolition

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the demolition notice was arbitrary and that a Building Regularisation Scheme (BRS) application was pending with the authorities. After hearing both sides and examining the documents, the High Court ordered maintenance of the status quo until the BRS application is disposed of. It also directed the respondents to file a counter-affidavit.

The matter is now posted for further hearing on July 15.

GHMC issues SOP to act against illegal constructions

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to take uniform and strict action against unauthorised constructions and deviations from approved building plans.

The move, aligned with the GHMC Act, 1955, and TG-bPASS Act, 2020, mandates disciplinary action against officials failing to enforce it.

As per the SOP, officials must inspect sites, document violations, and issue show-cause notices to owners, who will have 15 days to respond. If construction continues, GHMC will seal the premises, disconnect utilities, and inform police and registration offices.

Occupied buildings must be vacated within three days for sealing. Only authorized GHMC officials can remove the seal.