Hyderabad: Maintaining that demolitions will not serve the purpose of curbing the rampant illegal constructions in city, the Hyderabad High Court has told the TS government and the GHMC that Section 46(4) of the GHMC Act enables the civic body to prosecute those involved in the illegal activity by registering criminal case against them.
Allowing a petition by one Jan Mohammed alias Shahan, a resident of the city, alleging that his neighbour was in violation of the sanctioned plan and has not left any setbacks while constructing his premises, Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy directed the state government and the GHMC to take immediate take steps to constitute Town Planning Tribunal to deal with cases of the illegal constructions.
Referring to the affidavits filed by the GHMC commissioner and MAUD principal secretary, pursuant to the direction of the court, the judge asked the government to consider the suggestions of the GHMC chief, including amending the Municipal Corporation Act and make illegal constructions as a cognizable offence and also constitute a tribunal for speedy disposal of such cases.
The judge noted that 1,520 cases were pending in city courts related to notices issued by the corporation and in 89 cases the court granted stay while in 1,431 cases, status quo was granted.
The judge observed that the persons involved in illegal construction obstructing the planned development of the city were taking undue advantage of court orders. The judge ordered the authorities to take steps to fill 200 vacancies in the GHMC’s town planning wing.
While directing the authorities to take immediate steps to initiate action against errant owners and builders, the judge disposed the petition.
