Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court has found fault with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in forcibly taking possession of a community hall in the city and slapped a fine on the authorities for their highhanded and arbitrary action.
Justice M.S. Ramachandra allowing a petition by M/s Indira Mahila Vikas Foundation challenging the action of the GHMC taking away possession of a community hall near Vinayaka Temple, Phase-IV, KPHB, Kukatpally, by placing a lock over the premises.
The petitioner submitted that in 2007 the then government, having recognised and appreciated the welfare activities of the foundation, had voluntarily offered the premises for running its activities.
The judge declared that the action of the authorities in locking the premises clandestinely behind the back of the petitioner and depriving them of access of the premises as arbitrary, illegal and violative of Article 14 and 300-A of the Constitution.
The judge directed the authorities to forthwith deliver possession of the premises to the petitioner and restrain from interfering with the possession and enjoyment of the premises except in accordance with law.
The judge directed a deputy commissioner and a project officer involved in the case to pay Rs 5,000 each to the petitioner within two weeks.
