Partial Stay of Sealing Multi-Storeyed Building in King Koti

Hyderabad:Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court directed partial de-sealing of a building at King Koti while permitting authorities to retain seals on unauthorised portions. The petitioners, Girnar Developers, had challenged a notice issued on March 30 by GHMC sealing the property of 1,210-square yards at Eden Garden, King Koti, Hyderabad. The petitioner sought suspension of the notice and de-sealing of the premises pending the writ petition. The petitioner contended that the property was purchased under registered sale deeds in November 2021 and construction was undertaken pursuant to a building permission issued on February 4, 2023. It was stated that only minor deviations existed, including an additional floor and penthouse. It was contended that a civil suit was pending in respect of the subject property in which a status quo continued in force, and that an application seeking regularisation of deviations was pending consideration. It was contended that despite submission of reply to the showcause of the GHMC, the premises were sealed without considering the reply or affording an opportunity. The authorities contended that construction was in violation of the sanctioned plan, with shops raised in the stilt floor meant for parking and unauthorised construction of a sixth floor and penthouse. It was submitted that the act of sealing was done by following due procedure. Recording that both sides expressed no objection to segregation of authorised and unauthorised portions, the judge noted prima facie deviations including the use of the stilt floor for shops and additional unauthorised structures. The judge directed that portions constructed as per permission be de-sealed forthwith, while seals over unauthorised portions including stilt, sixth floor and penthouse shall remain. The judge also granted stay of demolition to the extent of earlier orders and posted the matter for further hearing on June 8.

No right to install CCTV cameras in disputed property

A two judge panel of the Telangana High Court ruled that no enforceable right arose to install CCTV cameras on a property when title and possession remained under serious dispute. The panel comprising Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Gadi Praveen Kumar dismissed a writ appeal filed by Faheem Hussain challenging the order of a single judge who had dismissed a writ plea that sought re-installation of CCTV cameras allegedly removed by the police from the property at Masab Tank, Hyderabad. The appellant contended that the cameras were installed to prevent encroachment and enable remote monitoring, particularly as he resided abroad. The state opposed the plea citing a pending criminal complaint alleging cheating, forgery, and fraudulent regularisation of government land, and pointed out that the complainant was not even impleaded in the writ proceedings.Upholding the decision of the writ court, the panel observed that the very title to the property was contested, with parallel civil proceedings pending, including a suit filed by the own sister of the appellant seeking recovery and eviction. The panel further flagged the unexplained delay, observing that the cameras were removed in May 2025 while the writ petition was filed only in January 2026. The panel recorded findings from the police investigation indicating that the appellant and others were not in lawful possession and allegedly misrepresented facts before authorities to secure illegal regularisation. In such circumstances, the panel held that the appellant could not assert any right over the property, including the installation of surveillance equipment, until title was conclusively determined.