Telangana High Court issued a strong direction to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Telangana HC Directs GHMC to act firmly and promptly on illegal buildings within the city. This was issued against complaints regarding illegal buildings that had gone on to thrive due to tardy action. Justice B.
Vijaysen Reddy, review bench member who decided the Hippocampus case. put it very briefly and appropriately that GHMC must move quickly so that unauthorized buildings are sealed at once even if they have already served notices. And legal proceedings have been initiated. The court demonstrated its ire at the tardiness of GHMC by noting bureaucratic delay was allowing the wrongdoers to finish unlawful constructions without facing any consequences.
The court also fingered GHMC inaction as evidence of the probable nexus among builders, politicians, and civic officials that has resulted in unauthorized building enlargement run amok. Justice Reddy sternly condemned the practice of giving show-cause notices without action being mandatory. Ordering notice to GHMC officials for failure to do so, which would amount to contempt of court proceedings. The judge has stated that the enforcement should be proactive and not passive. So that illegal buildings are tracked and sealed before any harm is done to city planning regulations.
The remarks have aroused more heat for GHMC’s administration and mounted pressure on the city authorities to function responsibly and transparently.
Under the court directive, GHMC Commissioner had issued a circular to appeal to zonal commissioners, deputy commissioners, and town planning authorities to seal illegal buildings once located. The May 1 directive aims at action against illegal buildings without providing time for responses to show-cause notices. Offcials have been directed to act in coordination with the police force so that there would be no local interference. Justice Reddy observed that if GHMC acts firmly and visibly against illegal constructions. Hyderabad’s civic infrastructure will never stop deteriorating, endangering public safety and the environment.
Lawyers and town planning specialists have been left amazed by the court order,. Which is considered a giant leap to reclaim Hyderabad’s architectural heritage. The order has also drawn political interest as politicians have been demanding minute-by-minute surveillance of all the happenings within the city. The move has been referred to as a relief move by politicians and they have cited fear of worst. Like What happens when unbridled growth results in issues like clogged drains, fire hazards, and clogged roads. As long as GHMC keeps acting on it, the future of this order will be a test to its seriousness towards legal city governance. And efficiency in its capacity to execute the Telangana High Court orders.
ALSO READ: Telangana HC upholds Death Sentence in 2013 Hyderabad Bomb Blast Case
Share
India-Pakistan Tensions: Abdali Missile Test Hints on War
Retro Box Office Collection Day 3: Suriya-Starrer Fails to Pick Up Pace
