HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court challenged HYDRAA regarding the demolition actions taken at ZRESTA Villas in Kokapet, which were conducted without prior notice. Interim orders were issued to maintain the status quo. Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka, during a hearing of a house motion from the petitioners, deemed it inappropriate to demolish structures without notice, especially when the land was under litigation.
According to the petitioners, the ZRESTA Villa Owners Maintenance Mutually Aided Cooperative Society, claims that HYDRAA personnel unlawfully entered the property on May 26 and removed the compound wall unexpectedly.
In response to the demolition, the petitioners submitted a house motion before the vacation bench of the high court. Petitioner’s counsel, Pasham Mohith, highlighted that among 9.1 acres, 8.1 acres belonged to private owners while the government acquired 1.09 acres for Kottacheruvu lake. The remaining 6.1 acres were developed into villas and turned over in 2019; however, a dispute over the 1.09 acres remains unresolved in court.
“In March, HYDRAA marked the land following a complaint from private individuals, yet the society was not provided copies of this complaint. When representatives visited the HYDRAA office for clarification, the commissioner declined to meet with them,” argued Mohith. He noted that after demolishing the compound wall, HYDRAA attempted to build a fence.
Following the arguments, the judge mandated interim orders to maintain the status quo, asserting that demolitions without prior notice are unacceptable. The judge also issued notices to HYDRAA, the municipal administration and urban development department, and GHMC to provide detailed responses, before adjourning the matter.
