HC asks GHMC to recover demolition costs

Court stresses accountability in unauthorised construction cases

Property Pulse

The Telangana High Court has directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to recover demolition costs from those responsible for unauthorised constructions, in a move aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing misuse of public funds.

The direction came from Justice N V Shravan Kumar while hearing a writ petition filed by Dachepally Chandrababu, who alleged illegal construction of a an arch for a religious place on a public road in Tarnaka by Shree Durga Pochamma Devasthanam.

According to the petitioner, the unauthorised structure was first noticed on February 27 and highlighted on social media platform X, expecting prompt civic action. When no steps followed, a complaint was filed through the GHMC Mobile App on March 15.

The petitioner contended that the civic body failed to act within the timeline prescribed under the TG-bPASS Act, 2020, which mandates action on such complaints within a week.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that using public funds for demolition would not act as a deterrent, as violators could rebuild structures without bearing any financial consequence. It was submitted that demolition costs should be recovered from the offender to prevent repeated violations.

In response, GHMC’s counsel informed the court that a show-cause notice had been issued on February 13. A speaking order was later passed on March 28, directing the temple authorities to remove the structure within 15 days, failing which the civic body would proceed with demolition and recover the cost.

After hearing both sides, the High Court disposed of the petition, directing GHMC to provide a fair hearing to both the petitioner and the temple authorities, examine relevant records, and take a decision within four weeks.

The court further observed that if the allegations are found to be true, GHMC must take appropriate action and ensure recovery of demolition costs from the Devasthanam, reinforcing accountability in handling unauthorised constructions.

CIVIC ACTION

• HC directs recovery of demolition costs. 

• GHMC told to ensure accountability in action. 

• Petition flags illegal structure on public road. 

• Action timeline under TG-bPASS questioned. 

• Civic body issued notice, passed speaking order. 

• Court mandates fair hearing to all parties. 

• Costs to be recovered from violator.