Telangana High Court Questions HYDRAA Over Kondapur Demolition

The Telangana High Court strongly questioned HYDRAA and revenue authorities over the demolition of structures on private land in Kondapur, Serilingampally Mandal, expressing deep concern over the lack of notice, verification, and procedural compliance.

Justice NV Shravan Kumar made the observations while hearing a writ petition filed by Pemmasani Sudha Rani. The petitioner alleged that HYDRAA and revenue officials unlawfully demolished a compound wall and a watchman’s room on her private plot located in Survey No. 60 of Kondapur village without issuing any prior notice or following due process of law.

During the proceedings, a significant disconnect between government departments came to light. While HYDRAA had earlier claimed that it executed the demolition based on instructions from the Serilingampally Tahsildar, the Tahsildar appeared in court and categorically denied issuing any directive to demolish structures on the petitioner’s property. The official clarified that official communications were restricted strictly to government land situated in Survey No. 59, whereas the petitioner’s land was private patta land in Survey No. 60.

Questioning the haste of the enforcement drive, Justice Shravan Kumar asked how HYDRAA determined that the property fell under Survey No. 59 without carrying out a prior verification or physical survey. The Bench raised concerns over why the demolition was executed within three days, whether the District Collector had granted authorisation, and whether external pressure had prompted the action.

Observing that government agencies and authorities were misleading the judiciary, Justice Shravan Kumar remarked that courts cannot be blamed for scrutinising executive actions. The judge noted that officials were failing to check records, conduct required surveys, or follow court directions, and questioned whether HYDRAA was attempting to run a parallel executive system.

The High Court emphasised that minimum notice and legal procedures mandated under the Telangana Land Encroachment Act must be adhered to even in cases involving government land. Endorsing earlier observations by a coordinate bench regarding high-handed actions, the court directed all respondent authorities to submit detailed counter-affidavits and ordered the Serilingampally Tahsildar to attend every hearing until the writ petition is finally resolved.