TS HC blasts HYDRAA. Telangana High Court Slams HMDA for "Blind Obedience" and Weekend Demolitions in Aminpur.
The Telangana High Court has delivered a scathing rebuke to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) during a hearing concerning demolitions in Aminpur, Sangareddy district. The bench, comprising unnamed judges, expressed serious displeasure with HMDA's actions, particularly the demolition of structures on Sundays, which directly contradicts previous court rulings.
The court's criticism was directed primarily at HMDA Commissioner Ranganath and Aminpur Tehsildar, highlighting their blatant disregard for legal guidelines. When Ranganath attempted to justify the demolitions by citing orders from the Metropolitan and Municipal Administration Rules (MMARO), the court responded with a pointed question: "Would you demolish Charminar or the High Court building if someone told you to do so?"
The bench expressed disappointment with HMDA's narrow focus on demolition, emphasizing that "Disaster management doesn't mean demolition." They issued a strong warning of contempt charges if court-ordered stays were ignored during future demolitions, highlighting the need for respect for the judicial process.
Beyond the Aminpur case, the court also addressed traffic woes in Madhapur, reminding HMDA of its responsibility to address these issues effectively. The judges criticized the lack of coordination between government departments, which ultimately burdens ordinary citizens.
Key points raised by the court include:
Illegal weekend demolitions: The court vehemently condemned the practice of carrying out demolitions on weekends, despite previous rulings prohibiting such actions.
Blind obedience vs legality: The court questioned the HMDA's blind adherence to orders without considering their legality, emphasizing the importance of independent judgment.
Focus on demolition vs. comprehensive approach: The court criticized HMDA's singular focus on demolition, advocating for a more holistic approach to disaster management.
Responsibility for traffic management: The court reminded HMDA of its responsibility to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation infrastructure.
Protecting innocent citizens: The court expressed concerns about the demolition process itself, emphasizing the need to ensure homeowners are given a fair chance to defend their rights and avoid unnecessary hardship.
The court adjourned the hearing on the Aminpur demolitions until the 15th of next month, ordering HMDA and Aminpur Tehsildar to maintain the status quo until then. They also demanded counter-affidavits from the relevant parties.
This strong reprimand from the Telangana High Court underscores the need for a more responsible and transparent approach from HMDA in carrying out its duties, ensuring compliance with legal procedures and prioritising the welfare of citizens.