Mrs. Zakia Begum vs The State Of Telangana on 5 May, 2026

    0
    12
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Telangana High Court

    Mrs. Zakia Begum vs The State Of Telangana on 5 May, 2026

         IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AT
                            HYDERABAD
          THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE N.V.SHRAVAN KUMAR
                        WRIT PETITION No.15580 of 2026
                         DATE OF ORDER: 05.05.2026
    
    Between:
    Mrs.Zakia Begum and another
    
                                                                                      ...Petitioners
                                                 AND
    
    The State of Telangana,
    rep by its Principal Secretary,
    Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department,
    Secretariat, Hyderabad and 3 others
    
                                                                                   ...Respondents
    ORDER:

    Heard learned counsel for the petitioners, learned Government

    Pleader for MA&UD appearing for respondent No.1 and Sri. Midde

    SPONSORED

    Arun Kumar, learned standing counsel for GHMC appearing for

    respondent Nos.2 and 3. With their consent, the writ petition is being

    taken up for disposal at the admission stage itself.

    2. This writ petition has being filed seeking the following prayer:-

    “to issue an appropriate writ order or directions more particularly one
    in the nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the acts of the respondents
    more particularly the acts of the respondent No.3 in not taking any
    action on the representation of the petitioners No.1 dated 17.04.2026
    and not initiating any action on the illegal constructions being made by
    the respondent No.4 on premises bearing H.No.9-8-403 situated at
    Bada Bazar, Opp Mirza Palace function Hall, Golconda, Hyderabad as
    being illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional and consequently direct the
    respondent No.3 to take immediate action as per law against the illegal
    constructions being made by the respondent No.4 on the premises
    bearing H.No.9-8-403 situated at Bada Bazar, Opp Mirza Palace
    function Hall, Golconda Hyderabad and pass…”

    3. Brief facts of the case as stated are that the petitioner No.1

    claims to be the absolute owner of an ancestral residential house

    bearing Municipal H.No.9-8-404/1, situated opposite Mirza Palace,

    Golconda, Hyderabad. It is submitted that respondent No.4, who is
    2

    the immediate neighbour of the petitioners, has commenced

    construction of a Ground + 3 floors building on his premises bearing

    H.No.9-8-403, situated at Bada Bazar, opposite Mirza Palace Function

    Hall, Golconda, Hyderabad. It is further submitted that respondent

    No.4 has illegally encroached upon approximately 4 feet of the

    common passage between the petitioner’s house and that of

    respondent No.4. It is submitted that the respondent No.4 is

    proceeding with the construction of the upper floors by laying slabs,

    thereby blocking ventilation to the petitioner’s house. The petitioners

    requested respondent No.4 to leave sufficient space for ventilation,

    however, instead of complying, respondent No.4 allegedly threatened

    the petitioners with dire consequences and continued the illegal

    construction. Aggrieved by the said action, the petitioner No.1 made a

    representation dated 17.04.2025 to respondent No.3-the Deputy

    Commissioner, Circle-32, Golconda Zone, Hyderabad, seeking to stop

    the illegal construction being carried out by respondent No.4.

    However, no action has been taken on the said representation till

    date. Hence, the present writ petition is filed.

    4. The case of the petitioners is that on 17.04.2026, the

    petitioner No.1 submitted a representation to respondent No.3,

    requesting them to take necessary action against the illegal and

    unauthorized construction undertaken by respondent No.4 on the

    subject property. However, the said representation is still pending

    consideration. Aggrieved by the inaction of the respondents, the

    petitioners has filed the present writ petition.

    3

    5. The learned standing counsel for GHMC appearing for

    respondent Nos.2 to 3 submits that if the petitioner’s representation

    dated 17.04.2026, is still pending for consideration, the respondent

    authorities would consider the same and take action in accordance

    with law.

    6. It is not out of place to mention Section 7(6) of the Telangana

    State Building Permission Approval and Self Certification System (TS-

    BPASS) Act, 2020 (for short ‘the TS-BPASS Act’) which also

    encourages citizens to put on notice to the Civic Authorities regarding

    unauthorized constructions. Section 7(6) of the TS-BPASS Act is

    extracted for reference.

    “7. Approval of Building Permissions-

    (6) Citizens shall be encouraged to bring to the notice of
    Municipality and District Collector cases where unauthorized
    construction or construction in violation of or in excess of
    permissions, in the manner prescribed. The identity of such
    informers shall be kept confidential. All such cases shall be
    examined within a week from such information and
    appropriate action initiated. The information shall be
    incentivized in all such cases where the information, furnished
    by him is found to be correct.”

    7. In the case on hand, it is pertinent to refer to some of the

    relevant Sections of GHMC Act, 1955, the same are extracted

    hereunder:-

    Section 428 of the GHMC Act, 1955

    428. Notice to be given to commissioner of intention
    to erect a building: (1) Every person who intends to
    erect a building shall give to the commissioner notice of his
    said intention in a form, obtained for this purpose under
    Section 435, specifying the position of the building
    intended to be erected, the description of building, the
    purpose for which it is intended, its dimensions and the
    name of the person whom he intends to employ to
    supervise its erection.

    4

    Section 433 of GHMC Act, 1955

    433. Notice to be given to the Commissioner of
    intention to make additions, etc., :- “Every person who
    shall intend.

    (a) to make any addition to a building; or

    (b) to make any alteration or repairs to a building; not
    being a frame-building, involving the removal or re-erection
    of any external or party-wall thereof or of any wall which
    supports the roof thereof, to an extent exceeding one-half of
    such wall above the plinth level, such half to be measured
    in superficial feet; or

    (c) to make any alteration or repairs to a frame-building,
    involving the removal or
    re-erection of more than one-half of the posts in any such
    wall thereof as aforesaid or involving the removal or re-

    erection of any such wall thereof as aforesaid to an extent
    exceeding one-half of such wall above the plinth level, such
    half to be measured in superficial feet; or

    (d) to make any alteration in a building involving:–

    (i) the sub-division of any room in such building so as to
    convert the same into two or more separate rooms.

    (ii) the conversion of any passage or space in such building
    into a room or rooms; or

    (e) to remove or reconstruct any portion of a building
    abutting on a street which stands within the regular line of
    such street; shall give to the Commissioner in a form
    obtained for the purpose under section 435 notice of his
    intention, specifying the portion of the building in which
    such work is to be executed, the nature and extent of the
    intended work, the particular part or parts, if any, of such
    work which is or are intended to be used for human
    habitation and the name of the person whom he intends to
    employ to supervise its execution.”

    Section 451 of GHMC Act, 1955

    “451. Inspection of buildfings in course of erection,
    alteration etc.:- The Commissioner may at any time
    during the erection or re-erection of a building or the
    execution of any such work as is described in Section 433
    make an inspection thereof without giving previous notice
    of his intention so to do.”

    Section 452 of GHMC Act, 1955

    452. Demolition or alteration of the building work
    unlawfully commenced, carried on or completed and
    appeal thereon:- (1) If the Commissioner is satisfied that
    the construction or re-construction of any building or
    execution of any work as described in Section 433 is
    commenced or carried out contrary to the provisions of the
    Act or building rules or bye-laws made thereunder, he
    shall make a provisional order requiring the person who is
    constructing or re-constructing such building or executing
    such work or has constructed or re-constructed such
    building or executed such work to demolish such
    5

    unauthorized construction or re-construction or work within
    a period specified to bring such construction or re-
    construction of the building or work in conformity with the
    provisions of the Act or building rules or Bye-laws made
    thereunder and may also direct that until the said order is
    complied with, the concerned person shall refrain from
    proceeding with such construction or reconstruction of the
    building or work.

    Section 456 of GHMC Act, 1955

    “Dangerous Structures

    Removal of structures, trees etc., which are in ruins or
    likely to fall:- (1) If it shall at any time appear to the
    Commissioner that any structure (including under this
    expression any building, wall, parapet, pavement, floor, steps,
    railings, door or window frames or shutters or roof, or other
    structure and anything affixed to or projection from or resting
    on, any building, wall, parapet or other structure) is in ruinous
    condition or likely to fall, or is in any way dangerous to any
    person occupying, resorting to or passing by, such structure or
    any other structure or place in the neighbourhood thereof, the
    Commissioner may, by written notice, require the owner or
    occupier of such structure to do one or more of the following
    things, namely:–

    (i) to pull down,

    (ii) to secure,

    (iii) to remove, or

    (iv) to repair such structure or thing, and to prevent all cause of
    danger therefrom.

    (2) The Commissioner may also, if he thinks fit, require the
    said owner or occupier by the said notice, either forthwith or
    before proceedings to pull down, secure, remove or repair the
    structure or things, to set up a proper and sufficient hoard or
    fence for the protection of passers-by and other persons, with a
    convenient platform and
    hand-rail, if there be room enough for the same the
    Commissioner shall think the same desirable, to serve as
    footway for passengers outside of such hoard or fence.

    (3) If it appears to the Commissioner that the danger from a
    structure which is ruinous or about to fall is imminent, he may,
    before giving notice as aforesaid or before the period of notice
    expires, fence off, take down, secure or repair the said
    structure or take such steps or cause work to be executed as
    may be required to arrest the danger.

    (4) Any expenses incurred by the Commissioner under sub-

    section (3) shall be paid by the owner or occupier of the
    structure.

    (5) (a) Where the Commissioner is of opinion whether on receipt
    of an application or otherwise that the only or the most
    convenient means by which the owner or occupier of structure
    such as is referred to in sub-section (1) can pull down, secure,
    remove or repair such structure, is by entering any of the
    adjoining premises belonging to some other person the
    Commissioner after giving such person a reasonable
    opportunity of stating any objection may, if no such objection is
    raised or if any objection which is raised appears to him
    6

    invalid or insufficient, by an order in writing, authorise the
    said owner or occupier to enter such adjoining premises.

    (b) Every such order bearing the signature of the Commissioner
    shall be a sufficient authority to the person in whose favour it
    is made, or to any agent or person employed by him for this
    purpose,
    after giving to the owner of the premises reasonable written
    notice of his intention so to do, to enter upon the said premises
    with assistants and workmen, at any time between sunrise
    and sun set, and to execute the necessary work.

    (c) In executing, any work under this section as little damage
    as possible shall be done to the adjoining owner’s property,
    and the owner or occupier of premises for the benefit of which
    the work is done, shall —

    (i) cause the work to be executed with the least practicable
    delay;

    (ii) pay compensation to any person who sustains damage by
    the execution of the said work.

    Section 461-A of GHMC Act, 1955

    “461-A. Powers to seal unauthorized
    construction/development of premises:-

    (1) It shall be lawful for the Commissioner,
    at any time, before or after making an order for the
    removal or discontinuance of any unauthorized
    development or construction under section 461, to make an
    order directing the sealing of such development or property
    or taking the assistance of police, for the purpose of
    carrying out the provisions of the Act.”

    Section 636 of GHMC Act, 1955

    “636. Work or thing done without written permission
    of the Commissioner to be deemed unauthorized:- (1)
    If any work or thing requiring the written permission of the
    Commissioner under any provision of this Act, or any rule,
    regulation or bye-law is done by any person without
    obtaining such written permission or, if such written
    permission is subsequently suspended or revoked for any
    reason by the Commissioner, such work or thing shall be
    deemed to be unauthorised and subject to any other
    provision of this Act the Commissioner may at any time, by
    written notice, require that the same shall be removed,
    pulled down or undone as the case may be, by the person
    so carrying out or doing if the person carrying out such
    work or doing such thing is not the owner at the time of
    such notice then the owner at the time of giving such notice
    shall be liable for carrying out the requisitions of the
    Commissioner.

    (2) If within the period specified in such written notice the
    requisitions contained therein are not carried out by the
    person or owner, as the case may be, the Commissioner
    may remove or alter such work or undo such thing and the
    expenses thereof shall be paid by such person or owner as
    the case may be.”

    7

    8. On perusal of the above provisions, it is clear that the

    respondent authorities are vested with statutory powers to inspect

    any property and after putting on notice and after giving fair

    opportunity of hearing to the concerned parties, may take appropriate

    action against the unauthorized constructions on such properties, in

    accordance with law.

    9. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Shanti Sports Club and Ors.

    Vs. Union of India (UOI) and Ors1, held that violators of the Town

    Planning Scheme cannot be granted any relief. The relevant

    observations are as under:

    “52. Before concluding, we consider it necessary to
    enter a caveat. In all developed countries, great
    emphasis has been laid on the planned development of
    cities and urban areas. The object of planned
    development has been achieved by rigorous enforcement
    of master plans prepared after careful study of complex
    issues, scientific research and rationalisation of laws.
    The people of those countries have greatly contributed to
    the concept of planned development of cities by strictly
    adhering to the planning laws, the master plan etc. They
    respect the laws enacted by the legislature for
    regulating planned development of the cities and seldom
    there is a complaint of violation of master plan etc. in the
    construction of buildings, residential, institutional or
    commercial. In contrast, scenario in the developing
    countries like ours is substantially different. Though, the
    competent legislatures have, from time to time, enacted
    laws for ensuring planned development of the cities and
    urban areas, enforcement thereof has been extremely
    poor and the people have violated the master plans,
    zoning plans and building regulations and bye-laws
    with impunity. In last four decades, almost all cities, big
    or small, have seen unplanned growth. In the 21st
    century, the menace of illegal and unauthorized
    constructions and encroachments has acquired
    monstrous proportions and everyone has been paying
    heavy price for the same. Economically affluent people
    and those having support of the political and executive
    apparatus of the State have constructed buildings,
    commercial complexes, multiplexes, malls etc. in blatant
    violation of the municipal and town planning laws,
    master plans, zonal development plans and even the
    sanctioned building plans. In most of the cases of illegal
    or unauthorized constructions, the officers of the
    municipal and other regulatory bodies turn blind eye

    1
    ((2009) 15 SCC 705)
    8

    either due to the influence of higher functionaries of the
    State or other extraneous reasons. Those who construct
    buildings in violation of the relevant statutory
    provisions, master plan etc. and those who directly or
    indirectly abet such violations are totally unmindful of
    the grave consequences of their actions and/or
    omissions on the present as well as future generations
    of the country which will be forced to live in unplanned
    cities and urban areas. The people belonging to this
    class do not realize that the constructions made in
    violation of the relevant laws, master plan or zonal
    development plan or sanctioned building plan or the
    building is used for a purpose other than the one
    specified in the relevant statute or the master plan etc.,
    such constructions put unbearable burden on the
    public facilities/amenities like water, electricity,
    sewerage etc. apart from creating chaos on the
    roads. The pollution caused due to traffic congestion
    affects the health of the road users. The pedestrians
    and people belonging to weaker sections of the society,
    who cannot afford the luxury of air- conditioned cars,
    are the worst victims of pollution. They suffer from skin
    diseases of different types, asthma, allergies and even
    more dreaded diseases like cancer. It can only be a
    matter of imagination how much the government has to
    spend on the treatment of such persons and also for
    controlling pollution and adverse impact on the
    environment due to traffic congestion on the roads and
    chaotic conditions created due to illegal and
    unauthorized constructions. This Court has, from
    time to time, taken cognizance of buildings
    constructed in violation of municipal and other
    laws and emphasized that no compromise should
    be made with the town planning scheme and no
    relief should be given to the violator of the town
    planning scheme etc. on the ground that he has
    spent substantial amount on construction of the
    buildings etc. – K. Ramdas Shenoy v. Chief
    Officers, Town Municipal Council, Udipi
    1974 (2)
    SCC 506, Dr. G.N. Khajuria v. Delhi Development
    Authority
    1995 (5) SCC 762, M.I. Builders Pvt. Ltd.
    v. Radhey Shyam Sahu
    1999 (6) SCC 464, Friends
    Colony Development Committee v. State of
    Orissa
    2004 (8) SCC 733, M.C. Mehta v. Union of
    India
    2006 (3) SCC 399 and S.N. Chandrasekhar v.
    State of Karnataka
    2006 (3) SCC 208.

    53. Unfortunately, despite repeated judgments by the
    this Court and High Courts, the builders and other
    affluent people engaged in the construction activities,
    who have, over the years shown scant respect for
    regulatory mechanism envisaged in the municipal and
    other similar laws, as also the master plans, zonal
    development plans, sanctioned plans etc., have received
    encouragement and support from the State apparatus.
    As and when the courts have passed orders or the
    officers of local and other bodies have taken action for
    ensuring rigorous compliance of laws relating to planned
    development of the cities and urban areas and issued
    directions for demolition of the illegal/unauthorized
    constructions, those in power have come forward to
    protect the wrong doers either by issuing administrative
    orders or enacting laws for regularization of illegal and
    unauthorized constructions in the name of compassion
    and hardship. Such actions have done irreparable harm
    to the concept of planned development of the cities and
    urban areas. It is high time that the executive and
    9

    political apparatus of the State take serious view
    of the menace of illegal and unauthorized
    constructions and stop their support to the lobbies
    of affluent class of builders and others, else even
    the rural areas of the country will soon witness
    similar chaotic conditions. ” (Emphasis supplied).

    10. The Apex Court has time and again discouraged the practice of

    regularizing deviations made in sanctioned plans. The Supreme Court

    in Seema Arshad Zaheer and Ors. Vs. Municipal Corpn. of Greater

    Mumbai and Ors 2, has held that unauthorized constructions cannot

    be compounded. The relevant observations are extracted for reference:

    “30. It is true that in cases relating to orders for demolition of
    buildings, irreparable loss may occur if the structure is
    demolished even before trial, and an opportunity to establish by
    evidence that the structure was authorised and not illegal. In
    such cases, where prima facie case is made out, the balance of
    convenience automatically tilts in favour of the Plaintiff and a
    Plaintiffs injunction will be issued to preserve status quo. But
    where the Plaintiffs do not make out a prima facie case for grant
    of an injunction and the documents produced clearly show that
    the structures are unauthorised, the court may not grant a
    temporary injunction merely on the ground of sympathy or
    hardship. To grant a temporary injunction, where the structure
    is clearly unauthorised and the final order passed by the
    Commissioner (of the Corporation) after considering the
    entire material directing demolition, is not shown to suffer
    from any infirmity, would be encourage and perpetuate an
    illegality. We may refer to the following observations of this
    Court in M.I. Builders (P) Ltd. v. Radhey Shyam Sahu
    (MANU/SC/0999/1999
    : (1999) 6 SCC 464) made in a different
    context: (SCC p.529, para 73)

    This Court in numerous decisions has held that no consideration
    should be shown to the builder or any other person where
    construction is unauthorised. This dicta is now almost bordering
    the rule of law. Stress was laid by the Appellant and the
    prospective allottees of the shops to exercise judicial discretion in
    moulding the relief. Such a discretion cannot be exercised
    which encourages illegality or perpetuates an illegality.
    Unauthorised construction, if it is illegal and cannot be
    compounded, has to be demolished. There is no way out.
    Judicial discretion cannot be guided by expediency. Courts
    are not free from statutory fetters. Justice is to be rendered in
    accordance with law. Judges are not entitled to exercise
    discretion wearing the robes of judicial discretion and pass orders
    based solely on their personal (2006)5SCC282 predilections and
    peculiar dispositions. Judicial discretion wherever it is required
    to be exercised has to be in accordance with law and set legal
    principles.”

    10

    11. Further, the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Esha Ekta Apartments

    Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. and Ors. Vs. Municipal

    Corporation of Mumbai and Ors (2013) 5 SCC 357, held that

    Constitutional Courts ought not to exercise their equitable jurisdiction

    to regularize illegal and unauthorized constructions. The relevant

    observations are extracted for reference:

    “45. In view of the above discussion, we hold that the Petitioners
    in the transferred case have failed to make out a case for directing
    the Respondents to regularize the construction made in violation
    of the sanctioned plan. Rather, the ratio of the above- noted
    judgments and, in particular, Royal Paradise Hotel (P) Ltd. v.
    State of Haryana and Ors.
    (supra) is clearly attracted in the
    present case. We would like to reiterate that no authority
    administering municipal laws and other similar laws can
    encourage violation of the sanctioned plan. The Courts are
    also expected to refrain from exercising equitable
    jurisdiction for regularization of illegal and unauthorized
    constructions else it would encourage violators of the
    planning laws and destroy the very idea and concept of
    planned development of urban as well as rural areas.”

    (emphasis supplied)”

    Echoing the above said principle the Supreme Court in Sanjay Adlakha Vs.
    State of Haryana and Ors
    , rejected the request for regularization of unauthorized
    construction made to a residential building.

    12. Further, the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Kaniz Ahmed v. Sabuddin and

    Ors. in Special Leave to Appeal (C) Nos.12199-12200/2025 while dismissing

    the Special Leave to Appeal observed as under:

    “5. In one of our recent pronouncements, in the case of Rajendra Kumar
    Barjatya and Another v. U.P. Avas Evam Vikas Parishad and Others

    reported in 2024 INSC 990, we have made ourselves very explicitly clear that
    each and every construction must be made scrupulously following and
    strictly adhering to the rules and regulations. In the event of any violation,
    being brought to the notice of the courts, the same should be dealt with iron
    hands and any leniency or mercy shown to the person guilty of unauthorised
    construction would amount to showing misplaced sympathy. In our decision
    referred to above, we have issued the following directions:

    “(i) While issuing the building planning permission, an
    undertaking be obtained from the builder/applicant, as the case
    11

    may be, to the effect that possession of the building will be
    entrusted and/or handed over to the owners/beneficiaries only
    after obtaining completion/occupation certificate from the
    authorities concerned.

    (ii) The builder/developer/owner shall cause to be displayed at the
    construction site, a copy of the approved plan during the entire
    period of construction and the authorities concerned shall inspect
    the premises periodically and maintain a record of such
    inspection in their official records.

    (iii) Upon conducting personal inspection and being satisfied
    that the building is constructed in accordance with the building
    planning permission given and there is no deviation in such
    construction in any manner, the completion/occupation
    certificate in respect of residential / commercial building, be
    issued by the authority concerned to the parties concerned,
    without causing undue delay. If any deviation is noticed, action
    must be taken in accordance with the Act and the process of
    issuance of completion/occupation certificate should be deferred,
    unless and until the deviations pointed out are completely
    rectified.

    iv) All the necessary service connections, such as, Electricity,
    water supply, sewerage connection, etc., shall be given by the
    service provider / Board to the buildings only after the
    production of the completion/occupation certificate.

    (v) Even after issuance of completion certificate, deviation /
    violation if any contrary to the planning permission brought to
    the notice of the authority immediate steps be taken by the said
    authority concerned, in accordance with law, against the builder
    / owner / occupant; and the official, who is responsible for
    issuance of wrongful completion /occupation certificate shall be
    proceeded departmentally forthwith.

    (vi) No permission /licence to conduct any business/trade must
    be given by any authorities including local bodies of
    States/Union Territories in any unauthorized building
    irrespective of it being residential or commercial building.

    (vii) The development must be in conformity with the zonal plan
    and usage. Any modification to such zonal plan and usage must
    be taken by strictly following the rules in place and in
    consideration of the larger public interest and the impact on the
    environment.

    (viii) Whenever any request is made by the respective authority
    under the planning department/local body for co-operation from
    another department to take action against any unauthorized
    construction, the latter shall render immediate assistance and co-

    operation and any delay or dereliction would be viewed seriously.
    The States/UT must also take disciplinary action against the
    erring officials once it is brought to their knowledge.

    (ix) In the event of any application / appeal / revision being filed
    by the owner or builder against the non- issuance of completion
    certificate or for regularisation of unauthorised construction or
    rectification of deviation etc., the same shall be disposed of by the
    12

    authority concerned, including the pending appeals / revisions,
    as expeditiously as possible, in any event not later than 90 days
    as statutorily provided.

    (x) If the authorities strictly adhere to the earlier directions
    issued by this court and those being passed today, they would
    have deterrent effect and the quantum of litigation before the
    Tribunal / Courts relating to house / building constructions
    would come down drastically. Hence, necessary instructions
    should be issued by all the State/UT Governments in the form of
    Circular to all concerned with a warning that all directions must
    be scrupulously followed and failure to do so will be viewed
    seriously, with departmental action being initiated against the
    erring officials as per law.

    (xi) Banks / financial institutions shall sanction loan against any
    building as a security only after verifying the
    completion/occupation certificate issued to a building on
    production of the same by the parties concerned.

    (xii) The violation of any of the directions would lead to
    initiation of contempt proceedings in addition to the prosecution
    under the respective laws.”

    6. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that her client
    be given one chance to pray for regularisation of the unauthorised
    construction. We do not find any merit in such submission. A person who has
    no regards for the law cannot be permitted to pray for regularisation after
    putting up unauthorised construction of two floors. This has something to do
    with the rule of law. Unauthorised construction has to be demolished. There is
    no way out. Judicial discretion would be guided by expediency. Courts are not
    free from statutory fetters. Justice is to be rendered in accordance with law. We
    are at pains to observe that the aforesaid aspect has not been kept in mind by
    many State Governments while enacting Regularisation of Unauthorized
    Development Act based on payment of impact fees.

    7. Thus, the Courts must adopt a strict approach while dealing with cases of
    illegal construction and should not readily engage themselves in judicial
    regularisation of buildings erected without requisite permissions of the
    competent authority. The need for maintaining such a firm stance emanates
    not only from inviolable duty cast upon the Courts to uphold the rule of law,
    rather such judicial restraint gains more force in order to facilitate the well-
    being of all concerned. The law ought not to come to rescue of those who flout
    its rigours as allowing the same might result in flourishing the culture of
    impunity. Put otherwise, if the law were to protect the ones who endeavour to
    disregard it, the same would lead to undermine the deterrent effect of laws,
    which is the cornerstone of a just and orderly society.[See: Ashok Malhotra v.
    Municipal Corporation of Delhi, W.P.
    (c) No. 10233 of 2024 (Delhi High
    Court)]”

    13

    13. It is also relevant to refer to the orders passed by the Hon’ble

    Supreme Court in Writ Petition (Civil) No.295 of 2022 (2024 INSC

    866) (Bulldozer’s Case), wherein the Hon’ble Supreme Court gave

    certain directions and guidelines to the Government for manner of

    proceeding in demolition of the unauthorized construction.

    14. Since the provisions of the GHMC Act, 1955 mandates issuance

    of notice to the person concerned and the GHMC authorities are

    empowered to examine and decide the issue with respect to

    unauthorized constructions, by issuing notice to the concerned

    parties, the respondent authorities are directed to issue notice to the

    respondent No.4 and take appropriate action. As such, in the present

    case, issuance of notice to the respondent No.4 is dispensed with.

    15. Recording the same, the Writ Petition is disposed of directing the

    respondent authorities to consider the petitioners’ representation

    dated 17.04.2026, and take further course of action, strictly in

    accordance with law within a period of four (04) weeks.

    16. It is also clarified that in the event of respondent No.4, if

    otherwise aggrieved may avail remedy of filing application for the

    modification of this order, in accordance with law.

    17. With the above observations, this writ petition is disposed of.

    Miscellaneous applications, if any pending, shall stand closed. No

    order as to costs.

    ___________________________
    N. V. SHRAVAN KUMAR, J
    Dated: 05.05.2026
    NSP



    Source link

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here