Smt. Pushpa Devi vs State Of Telangana on 24 April, 2026

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    Telangana High Court

    Smt. Pushpa Devi vs State Of Telangana on 24 April, 2026

    IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AT
                       HYDERABAD
    
        HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE SUDDALA CHALAPATHI RAO
    
              WRIT PETITION Nos.467 & 4546 OF 2015, AND
                         C.C.No.72 OF 2016
    
                                 DATE: 24.04.2026
    W.P.No.467 of 2015:
    Between:
    Smt.Pushpa Devi
                                                                  ...Petitioner
                 and
    The State of Telangana, rep.by its Principal Secretary,
    Municipal Administration Department, Secretariat
    Buildings, Saifabad, Hyderabad and others.
                                                                ...Respondents
    
    W.P.No.4546 of 2015
    Between:
    P. Krishna Vijay Rajan
                                                                  ...Petitioner
                 and
    The State of Telangana, rep. by its Principal Secretary,
    MA & UD, Govt. of AP, Secretariat, Hyderabad and 4 others
                                                                ...Respondents
    
    C.C.No.72 of 2016
    Between:
    P. Krishna Vijay Rajan
                                                                  ...Petitioner
                 and
    Sri Janardhan Reddy, Special Officer and Commissioner,
    The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation,
    BRKR Bhawan, Saifabad, Hyderabad and others
                                                                ...Respondents
                                                                                         SCR,J
                                                    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016
    
                                     2
    
    COMMON ORDER:

    W.P.No.467 of 2015 is filed declaring the inaction on the part

    of respondent Nos.2 to 4 in taking action to remove the illegal and

    SPONSORED

    unauthorized constructions being under taken/made by the 5th

    respondent contrary to the sanctioned/approved building plan at

    the premises bearing D.No.12-5-7, Vijayapuri, South Lalaguda,

    Secunderabad, Ranga Reddy District without leaving any setbacks,

    by causing total blockage of aeration, ventilation and suffocation

    to the petitioner residential building in-spite of repeated

    representations of the petitioner, as illegal, arbitrary,

    unconstitutional and consequently direct the respondent Nos.2 to

    4 to take action to remove the aforesaid illegal and unauthorized

    constructions and to pass such other order.

    2. W.P.No.4546 of 2015 is filed declaring the inaction of the

    respondent Nos.1 to 4 in taking action against the illegal

    constructions being undertaken by the 5th respondent (husband of

    the petitioner in W.P.No.467 of 2015) despite a complaint having

    been made by the Petitioner on 23.04.2014, as illegal arbitrary and

    unconstitutional, apart from being in violation of the Provisions of
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    3

    the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act, 1955 and

    consequently direct the Respondent Nos.1 to 4 to take action under

    the provisions of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation

    Act, 1955 on the representations of the Petitioners dated 23.04.2014

    and the subsequent reminders against the illegal constructions

    being taken up by the 5th Respondent, by demolishing the illegal

    structures so constructed and also direct the Respondent Nos.1

    and 2 to take action against all the officers of the 2nd Respondent

    concerned who have not taken steps to prevent the 5th Respondent

    from illegally constructing building at D.No.12-5-7, Bathukamma

    Kunta, Vijayapuri, Tarnaka, Secunderabad, and pass such other

    orders as may be deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of

    the case and in the interest of justice.

    3. Though both the Writ Petitions are filed by different writ

    petitioners, however, the subject property in these writ petitions is

    one and the same, and the dispute is also with regard to the un-

    authorized/deviated constructions being made by respondent

    No.5 who are husband and wife referred in the respective writ

    petitions. In that view of the matter, both the Writ Petitions are
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    4

    taken up analogously and dispose of by way of this common

    order.

    4. The brief assertion made in the affidavit filed in support of

    W.P.No.4546 of 2015 is that, the petitioner is a permanent resident

    of House bearing No.12-5-6&6/1, Vijayapuri, Lallaguda, Tarnaka,

    Secunderabad. It is an ancestral property purchased by his

    deceased grand-father and they have been living in the said house

    since many years.

    5. The brief assertion made in the affidavit filed in support of

    W.P.No.467 of 2015 is that, the petitioner is the absolute owner and

    possessor of G+2 residential House bearing No.12-5-8, Vijayapuri,

    Lallaguda, Tarnaka, Secunderabad and has been residing therein

    along with his family members.

    6. It is further contended that the abutting property of the

    petitioners belongs to respondent No.5, who are their neighbours

    and owners of bearing house No.12-5-7, Vijayapuri, Lallaguda,

    Tarnaka, Secunderabad, and that the respondent No.5 is the

    absolute owner and possessor of land to an extent of 282 Sq.

    meters equivalent to 338 Sq. yards and have obtained sanctioned

    permit vide Permit No.32770/DC/NZ/Cir-18/2014, dated
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    5

    18.3.2014, pursuant to application dated 07.03.2014. It is also

    contended by the petitioners that vide the said permit dated

    18.03.2014 out of the total area of 282.1 Sq. meters of the plot

    belonging to them, an extent of 82.93 Sq. meters is affected by road

    widening area, and an extent of 199.17 Sq. meters is only available

    for seeking permission, nonetheless total area of 276.50 meters has

    been permitted and permission was granted for Ground plus 1st

    floors by the officials respondents with a height of 6 meters. It is

    further contended that in a stark contrast to the permit dated

    18.03.2014, respondent No.5 have constructed as many as 5 floors

    (Ground + four upper floors) over the subject property and have

    also dug a cellar without there being any sanction by the

    respondent Nos.2 to 4 herein. Further, it is asserted that respective

    petitioners have filed complaints before respondent Nos.2 and 3

    on 23.04.2014, 24.08.2014, and that as the said respondent Nos.2

    and 3 have not initiated appropriate action under the provisions of

    the GHMC Act, 1955, by invoking Sections 451 and 452 of GHMC

    Act, 1955, basing on the said complaints, and aggrieved by the said

    inaction of respondent Nos.2 and 3, petitioners have filed the
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    6

    present W.P.No.4546 of 2015 and W.P.No.467 of 2015 challenging

    the inaction of the respondent Nos.2 to 4.

    7. Further, initially when W.P.No.4546 of 2015 was posted for

    admission on 25.02.2015 this Court has passed the following order:

    “The grievance of the petitioner is that the 5th respondent, who is
    the neighbor of the petitioner, is making construction in violation of
    the approved plan. He submits that though the 5th respondent
    obtained permission for construction of Ground + 1st floor, he is
    making construction in deviation of the same and also without
    leaving any setbacks as per the approved plan.

    Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and Smt.A.
    Deepthi, learned Standing Counsel for respondents seeks time for
    getting instructions.

    In view of the specific averments and photographs filed by
    the petitioner, prima facie it shows that the 5th respondent is making
    construction without leaving any setbacks. In view of the same, the
    respondents 3 and 4 are to ensure that the 5th respondent shall not
    make any construction in violation of the approved plan.”

    8. This Court directed the matter to be posted after two weeks

    and that is how the matter is being adjourned from time to time

    and posted today before this Court for hearing.

    9. C.C.No.72 of 2016 has been filed stating that despite the

    specific orders passed by this Court, respondent No.5 has

    proceeded with the construction and completed construction in all
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    7

    respects and when there are positive directions given by this Court

    in the interim order dated 25.02.2015 in W.P.No.4546 of 2015 by

    directing respondent Nos.2 to 4 to stop illegal construction made

    by respondent No.5, respondent Nos.2 to 4 have not take any

    action and deliberately and wantonly disobeyed the aforesaid

    orders passed by this Court, which forced the contempt petitioners

    to file this Contempt Case.

    10. Sri G.Madhusudan Reddy, learned Standing Counsel for

    GHMC filed counter in C.C.No.72 of 2016 and prayed to treat the

    said counter as counter in both the Writ Petitions as well. In the

    said counter it is stated that respondent No.5, who are husband

    and wife, in both the writ petitions have started construction work

    duly obtaining the building permission from respondent

    authorities for the proposed construction of G+1st floor for

    residential purpose in premises No.12-5-7 situated at

    Bathkammakunta, Tarnaka, Secunderabad vide permit

    No.32770/DC/NZ/Cir-18/2014, dated 18.03.2014 in file

    No.16053/TPS/C-18/NZ/GHMC/W12/2015 and further, they

    have started construction without issuing the commencement

    notice as required under Section 440 of GHMC Act, 1955, which is
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    8

    mandatory and that they have laid the RCC slabs for cellar,

    ground + three upper floors instead of permitted G+1 floor,

    therefore, they illegally constructed cellar, 2nd and 3rd floors duly

    violating the Rules and Regulations of GHMC Act, 1955.

    11. In that view of the matter, respondent Nos.2 to 4 have issued

    Show-cause Notice under Section 452(2) of the GHMC Act, 1955 to

    respondent No.5 in both writ petitions and for which they have

    not given any reply. Consequently, final notice under Section 636

    of GHMC Act, 1955, was issued after expiry of time given in the

    said notice. Pursuant to which, respondent authorities have

    demolished the unauthorized construction of 2nd and 3rd floors

    deviations made by respondent No.5 in both the writ petitions and

    they have also assured to closed the Cellar constructed in

    deviation of the sanctioned plan.

    12. It is further stated in the counter that after demolition

    respondent No.5 in both writ petitions have stopped construction

    for a limited time, however, in the meanwhile, respondent-

    corporation have received complaints that the respondent No.5

    again started construction work. Pursuant to which, respondents
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    9

    have inspected the site and observed that respondent No.5 have

    again started construction work. As such, they have stopped the

    construction work and seized the work tools by intimating

    respondent No.5 from time to time vide letters dated 15.06.2015,

    01.07.2015, 03.08.2015 and 19.09.2015 to stop construction work

    forthwith and not to raise any construction. Nonetheless,

    respondent No.5 have not complied with the said notices and

    continuously proceeded with the construction work during the

    night time and public holidays, thereby violating the rules and

    regulations of the GHMC Act, 1955 and also violating the rules

    under GO.Ms.No.168 MA dated 07.04.2012.

    13. While matter stood thus, the Government has issued scheme

    for regularization of the deviated portions to the sanctioned plan

    and in pursuance of the Building Penalization Scheme, respondent

    No.5 submitted application vide application No.2000004860 dated

    06.12.2015 for regularization of deviations and unauthorized

    construction. Further, it is contended that Court in

    W.P.(PIL).No.63 of 2016 stayed the consideration of the

    applications filed under Building Penalization Scheme and thus,
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    10

    the respondent authorities are unable to move forward to take

    further recourse in the said matter. Further, it is contended that the

    respondent Nos.2 to 4 have got highest regard to the orders of this

    Court and that they have taken all measures to prevent

    unauthorized construction by the respondent No.5, and there is no

    willful disobedience of orders, dated 25.02.2015 passed by this

    Court in W.P.No.4546 of 2015 and prayed to close the Contempt

    Case.

    14. Heard Sri Shiva Rama Sharma, learned counsel representing

    Sri K. Rathanga Pani Reddy, learned counsel for the petitioner in

    W.P.No.467 of 2015, Sri D.V. Shiva Prasad, learned counsel

    appearing for the petitioner in W.P.No.4546 of 2015, Sri Sivaraju

    Srinivas, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner in C.C.No.72

    of 2016 and Sri G. Madhusudan Reddy, learned Standing Counsel

    for GHMC for respondent Nos.2 to 4 in Writ Petitions and learned

    Senior Counsel Mr. K.S.Murthy appearing for counsel for

    respondent No.5 in W.P.No.4546 of 2015 and 467 of 2015 and

    respondent No.4 in C.C.No.72 of 2016. Perused the record.

    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    11

    15. The main grievance of the petitioners in both the Writ Petitions

    is that respondent No.5, who is owner neighbor of the petitioners,

    having obtained permission for construction of G+1 floor vide

    sanctioned permit No.32770/DC/NZ/Cir-18/2014, dated 18.03.2014,

    and has deviated the sanctioned plan and made construction of un-

    authorized floors, which is not permissible as per the sanctioned plan

    and also violative of the provisions of GHMC Act, 1955, which

    prohibits any un-authorized construction to the sanctioned plan, and

    despite several applications/representations to respondent Nos.2 to

    4 requesting to take action on the un-authorized construction made

    by respondent No.5, and despite there being an interim order

    inW.P.No.4546 of 2015 dated 25.02.2015.

    16. Per contra, the learned Standing Counsel would reiterate the

    contentions in counter-affidavit filed by respondent authorities that

    there are deviations in the construction made by respondent No.5

    according to the sanctioned plan, and that the authorities have taken

    all the measures, however, in view of the Government introducing

    Building Penalization Scheme, the respondent No.5 has made

    application under Building Penalization Scheme and the same is

    pending consideration. In that view of the matter, since the
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    12

    application filed by the respondent No.5 for Building Penalization

    Scheme is pending vide application No.2000004860 dated 06.12.2015,

    unless and until the authorities deal with the said application no

    action can be initiated against respondent No.5.

    17. Evidently, as on today, the said application is neither

    rejected nor considered and it is stated that once the Government

    has introduced a scheme for regularization of deviated portions,

    the respondent authorities, being statutory authorities, are duty-

    bound to consider the said application by following the conditions

    stipulated in the said scheme, and they can act upon the

    complaints of the respective petitioners only after considering the

    application of the respondent No.5 under the Scheme.

    18. Without delving into the merits of the present case, this

    Court deems it appropriate to refer to similar cases that were

    earlier disposed of by this Court as well as the Rules framed by the

    Government of Telangana.

    19. It is appropriate to note that the Government of Telangana

    has formulated Rules for regularization of unauthorized/illegal

    constructions, which are constructed in deviation of sanctioned
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    13

    plan or without permission, vide GO.Ms.No.152, dated 02.11.2015.

    As per the said G.O., the application for regularization of

    unauthorized construction has to be submitted within a period of

    60 days from the date of notification of the said Rules along with

    50% of regularization amount as per Rule 5 or minimum of

    Rs.10,000/- whichever is less. The competent authority, i.e.,

    Municipal Commissioner in case of Municipal Corporations,

    Metropolitan Commissioner in case of HMDA, shall, on scrutiny

    of applications and inspection of sites, either approve or reject the

    applications and communicate the same to the applicant(s)

    concerned as early as possible, but not beyond six months from the

    date of receipt of applications.

    20. The Regularization Rules were notified on 02.11.2015, as per

    which, applications for regularization were to be filed within 60

    days from the said notified date and the same were supposed to be

    processed within a period of six months from the last date of

    receipt of applications.

    21. The regularization scheme under GO.Ms.No.152, dated

    02.11.2015 was challenged in W.P.(PIL).No.63 of 2016, wherein
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    14

    interim directions were passed by a Division Bench of this Court

    on 18.10.2016 as under:-

    “We consider it appropriate, in such circumstances, to modify
    the earlier order, and direct that the applications for
    regularization be processed in accordance with the
    regularization scheme notified in G.O.Ms.No.152 dated
    02.11.2015. In case the GHMC or the other Municipal
    Corporations in the State of Telangana, after considering the
    applications for regularization, decide to reject the request for
    regularization, it is open to them to communicate the orders of
    rejection to the applicants concerned, and thereafter take action
    for demolition of the illegal structures in accordance with law.
    In such of those cases where the GHMC, or the other Municipal
    Corporations, tentatively decide to regularize the illegal
    structures, such a decision shall merely be recorded in the file,
    and shall neither be given effect to nor shall it be communicated
    to the applicants, pending further orders from this Court.”

    22. Subsequently, the said W.P.(PIL).No.63 of 2016, along with a

    batch of Writ Petitions was disposed of vide order, dated

    28.04.2021, with a direction that the interim order dated 18.10.2016

    passed in W.P.(PIL).No.63 of 2016 shall continue to operate till a

    decision is taken by the Supreme Court on W.P.(Civil) No.1236 of

    2020.

    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    15

    23. It is appropriate to refer to the recent judgment of the

    Hon’ble Supreme Court in Rajendra Kumar Barjatya and another

    Vs. U.P.Avas Evam Vikas Parishad and others1, wherein the

    Hon’ble Supreme Court by referring to a catena of decisions, viz.,

    K.Ramadas Shenoy Vs. Chief Officers, Town Municipal Council2,

    Dr. G.N.Khajuria and others Vs. Delhi Development Authority

    and others3, M.I. Builders (Petitioner) Ltd Vs. Radhey Shyam

    Sahu 4, Esha Ekta Apartments Co-Op Housing Society Limited Vs.

    Municipal Corporation of Mumbai5, Supertech Limited Vs.

    Emerald Court Owner Resident Welfare Association and others 6,

    Kerala State Costal Zone Management Authority Vs. Maradu

    Municipality7, State of Haryana Vs. Satpal8, has issued further

    directions in addition to the directions given in Re: Directions in

    the matter of demolition of structures, vide order dated 13.11.2024

    in WP(Civil).Nos.295 and 328 of 2023, WP(Criminal).No.162 of

    2022. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has specifically directed that in

    the event of any application/appeal/revision being filed by the

    1
    2024 SCC Online SC 3767
    2
    (1974) 2 SCC 506
    3
    (1995) 5 SCC 762
    4
    (1999) 6 SCC 464
    5
    (2013) 3 SCC (Civil) 89
    6
    (2021) 10 SCC 1
    7
    (2021) 16 SCC 822
    8
    (2023) 6 SCC 643
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    16

    owner or builder against non-issuance of completion certificate or

    for regularization of unauthorized construction or rectification of

    deviation, etc., the same shall be disposed of by the authority

    concerned, including the pending appeals/revisions, as

    expeditiously as possible, in any event not later than 90 days as

    statutorily provided.

    24. In the light of the aforesaid order dated 28.04.2021 passed by

    a Division Bench of this Court in W.P.(PIL).No.63 of 2013 and its

    batch, as well as the directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme

    Court in Rajendra Kumar Barjatya‘s case (cited supra), the official

    respondents (GHMC) are directed to process the application

    submitted by petitioner for regularization of unauthorized/illegal

    construction, and to pass appropriate orders in accordance with

    the interim order dated 18.06.2016 passed in WP(PIL) No.63 of

    2016, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a

    copy of this order. Subject to result of the said BRS application of

    the respondent No.5 in both the writ petitions, the authorities may

    consider the complaints filed by respective petitioners and take

    appropriate action thereof strictly in accordance with law.

    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    17

    25. Subject to above directions and observations, the present

    Writ Petitions are disposed of,

    a) directing the respondent Nos.2 to 4 to consider the

    building regularization application vide Application

    No.2000004860, dated 06.12.2015 by the respondent No.5 and if it

    in consonance with the scheme floated by the Government, it may

    be kept in abeyance and no coercive steps will be taken in the

    meanwhile, final orders may be passed subject to the result of the

    SLP pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

    b) The complaints of the petitioners dated 23.04.2014 and

    24.08.2014 may be considered if the case of the 5th respondent is

    not entitled to be considered under the BPS Scheme vide

    G.O.Ms.No.152, dated 02.11.2015, strictly in accordance with law.

    26. In so far as the Contempt Case is concerned, in view of the

    directions passed by this Court in W.P.No.4546 of 2015, dated

    25.02.2015, “that respondent Nos.2 to 4 shall not allow the

    respondent No.5 to proceed with the illegal construction in deviation

    to the sanctioned plan” as it is categorically stated by respondent

    Nos.2 to 4 that they have inspected the site after issuance of interim
    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    18

    orders by this Court and they have already demolished 3rd and 4th

    floors, which are un-authorizedly constructed by respondent No.5.

    But, subsequently the said constructions were made even after

    demolition and more so, the authorities are unable to take action as

    the 5th respondent has made appropriate application under Building

    Penalization Scheme.

    27. In that view of the matter, though there is a direction by this

    Court directing the respondent Nos.2 to 4 to take further action, since

    action has already been contemplated by issuing proper notices

    under Sections 452(1) & (2) and 636 of GHMC Act, 1955, and that 3rd

    and 4th floors have already been demolished in pursuance of the

    interim order, more so, the application filed for Building Penalization

    Scheme by the 5th respondent has to be considered before any further

    action can be contemplated.

    28. In that view of the matter, in the considered view of this Court,

    there is no willful disobedience by respondent Nos.2 to 4 violating

    the interim direction granted by this Court in W.P.No.4546 of 2015,

    dated 25.02.2015. Hence, the Contempt Case is liable to be closed.

    SCR,J
    W.P.Nos.467 & 4546 of 2015 & C.C.72 of 2016

    19

    29. In the light of the above directions, both the Writ Petitions

    are disposed of, and the Contempt Case is closed.

    30. There shall be no order as to costs. Miscellaneous

    applications, if any, pending shall stand closed.

    _________________________________
    SUDDALA CHALAPATHI RAO, J
    Date: 24.04.2026
    pn/kkm



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