HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court expressed its discontent towards a local businessman who filed a petition disputing the legality of environmental clearances and building permits for a significant residential project in Hafeezpet, Serilingampally.
A division bench, led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice P. Sam Koshy, cautioned the petitioner against misusing the court’s time, stating that appropriate penalties would follow. “Your petition is frequently provoking the court’s ire. Regardless of the circumstances, we will dismiss this petition with substantial costs,” remarked the bench.
Nevertheless, after the petitioner’s counsel apologized, the bench allowed the petition’s withdrawal while issuing a stern warning.
The petitioner contended that building approvals were granted in names of individuals who had already passed away. Identifying himself as a landowner, he challenged the land developer, arguing that environmental clearances should not have been issued since three out of five GPA (General Power of Attorney) holders were deceased prior to the clearance issuance.
Zeeshan Adnan Mahmood, the counsel for the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), noted the significant delay in contesting a 2019 decision until 2025. He pointed out that the petitioner should have approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) instead of the High Court.
Further, the state counsel emphasized that the building in question, a 14-storey structure, was ready for occupancy. “This is a private matter between the petitioner and the builder. By presenting this before the court, valuable judicial time is being squandered. Unsatisfied with a previous High Court ruling, the petitioner has filed this new petition,” he asserted.
The High Court noted that the petitioner had previously approached other governing bodies, including RERA, regarding this issue and had also filed prior petitions in the High Court, omitting these details in the current suit. Allowing the withdrawal, the court concluded the matter.
