The Telangana High Court has expressed serious concerns over the demolition of a building in Ameenpur, Sangareddy District, carried out on Sunday, September 22, despite it being a holiday. The court scrutinized HYDRAA Commissioner Avula Ranganath and the local Tehsildar, questioning the legality of the demolition and the procedures followed.
Presided by Justice K. Laxman, the court noted irregularities in the process, including the issuance of notices late on a Saturday for a Sunday demolition. Both officials, attending the hearing (the Tehsildar in person and the HYDRAA Commissioner virtually), failed to provide clear explanations, leading the court to raise concerns over potential political pressure behind the actions.
The court emphasized that no authority is above the law and criticized the disregard for a stay order, warning that hasty decisions without legal compliance could have further judicial consequences. Justice Laxman also stressed that urban planning and disaster management should go beyond demolitions, urging officials to prioritize proper regulations.
The case has been adjourned to October 15, 2024, with the court instructing both officials to submit detailed reports justifying their actions. Public criticism of HYDRAA’s handling of urban development in the region continues to grow, particularly regarding illegal constructions, Full Tank Level (FTL) zones, and the status of lakes and ponds.