The Telangana High Court has come down hard on the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) during a hearing about demolitions in Aminpur, Sangareddy district. The court’s sharp comments were directed at HMDA Commissioner Ranganath and Aminpur Tehsildar.
Judges criticized HMDA for conducting demolitions on Sundays, reminding officials that this violates previous court rulings. When Ranganath claimed they were following MMARO’s orders, the court retorted, asking if they would demolish Charminar or the High Court building if told to do so.
The court expressed disappointment with HMDA’s focus on demolitions, stating, “Disaster management doesn’t mean demolition.” They warned of contempt charges if court-ordered stays were ignored during demolitions.
Traffic woes in Madhapur were also brought up, with the court reminding HMDA of its responsibility to address this issue. The judges criticized the lack of coordination between government departments, which results in hardships for common people.
Key points from the hearing:
1. HMDA warned against demolitions on weekends
2. Court questions blind obedience to orders without considering legality
3. Criticism of HMDA’s narrow focus on demolitions
4. Reminder of HMDA’s responsibility for traffic management
5. Warning against violating rules to please political leaders
The court also raised concerns about the demolition process itself. They asked if homeowners were given a final chance before demolition, comparing it to granting a dying person’s last wish. The judges warned that innocent people shouldn’t suffer in the name of protecting government property.
HMDA Commissioner Ranganath was instructed to answer all questions without evasion. The court reminded officials of 20 lunch motion petitions filed against actions related to the Musi River.
The High Court has:
1. Adjourned the hearing on Aminpur demolitions until the 15th of next month
2. Ordered HMDA and Aminpur Tehsildar to maintain status quo until then
3. Demanded counter-affidavits to be filed
-Sanyogita
