The Telangana High Court sharply reprimanded the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and a Tahsildar for proceeding with demolitions that violated the court’s previous orders. These actions took place in Kistareddypet village, Ameenpur mandal, Sangareddy district, despite the court’s specific directives to halt such activities on Sundays and maintain a status quo.
During a session on Monday, while adjudicating a writ petition that challenged the demolition of a building in Ameenpur mandal, Justice K Lakshman posed a stern question to the HYDRAA Commissioner. He inquired if the Commissioner would mobilize personnel and machinery to demolish the High Court building itself if instructed by the Charminar Tahsildar, highlighting the gravity of blindly following orders without legal backing.
In response to the justice’s pointed query, the HYDRAA Commissioner assured that no such action would be undertaken. Despite this assurance, the court expressed its dissatisfaction with both the Tahsildar and the HYDRAA Commissioner for their failure to adhere to the judicial directions, which specifically prohibited demolitions on Sundays and any action against the interim order to maintain the status quo regarding the building in question.
The Tahsildar, appearing in person, and the HYDRAA Commissioner, attending virtually, faced criticism for their roles in the unauthorized demolition carried out last Sunday. While the HYDRAA Commissioner clarified that their involvement was limited to providing manpower and equipment for the removal of unauthorized encroachments upon government land at the Tahsildar’s behest, it was revealed that it was the revenue officials who ultimately demolished the structure.
The ongoing dispute has prompted the High Court to summon both the HYDRAA Commissioner and the Tahsildar to appear for further proceedings, scheduling the next hearing for October 15. This case follows recent controversial actions by HYDRAA, including the demolition of several structures claimed to be illegal, among them properties owned by prominent figures such as Telugu cinema superstar Nagarjuna.
