HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court has taken a firm stand against illegal constructions, warning that petitioners who attempt to protect unauthorized parts of their buildings from demolition may incur substantial fines.
Justice NV Shravan Kumar delivered a strong message, highlighting the concerning trend of builders disregarding approved plans and seeking judicial protection afterward.
“You (the petitioner) should construct according to the plan. You believe you can act however you wish, and later we will see if someone identifies it as unauthorized. This mindset must change. We might consider ignorance as a factor, but those who choose to do it intentionally?” Justice Kumar remarked during the session.
The case involved a businessman seeking immediate orders to unseal his property, which spans 267 square yards in Jeedimetla, and requested the court to prevent authorities from taking further actions against the construction.
The petitioner’s attorney contended that the construction was on joint family property, which justified the building activities.
However, Justice Kumar dismissed this explanation, stating: “Depending on floor size and area, authorities grant permissions, but you (the petitioner) proceed according to your preferences, neglecting the neighbors’ situation (due to such constructions). This is the core issue.”
When the attorney tried to further justify the actions, Justice Kumar noted that the arguments failed to address the court’s concerns.
Issuing a stern warning about hefty fines, the judge instructed authorities to continue sealing the premises and queried the petitioner’s counsel about the fate of the authorized sections already built.
The court mandated responses in the case and postponed the hearing to July 7, making it clear that unauthorized construction will not be tolerated and that attempts to evade the law through legal channels will result in serious repercussions.
