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Hc: 6 Years On, Why No Tribunals On Illegal Bldgs | Hyderabad News
HYDERABAD: Disapproving the inordinate delay in establishing tribunals to deal with illegal constructions in Hyderabad and elsewhere in the state, the Telangana high court on Wednesday gave an ultimatum to the municipal administration department’s principal secretary to explain the steps being taken to set up tribunals within six weeks or appear before the court on the next date of hearing.
A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili gave this direction while hearing a public interest litigation plea filed by Forum For Good Governance secretary M Padmanabha Reddy, who questioned the ‘lax attitude’ of the state government in implementing its own legislation.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, senior counsel Sivaraju Srinivas said the state government had amended the GHMC Act and inserted section 462(A) in it paving the way for establishment of tribunals. Though six years elapsed since the amendment was made, neither the tribunals were set up, nor any posts in them were filled. Ironically, once the amended Act comes into force, people were barred from approaching civil courts challenging demolitions.
Time was given previously: Bench
Since tribunals were not set up, people were still going to civil courts, he said. He urged the bench to ensure the setting up of the tribunals and appointment of chairman and members to these tribunals. State counsel Radhive Reddy sought time to file counter.
The bench reminded him that time was given several times in the past and gave him the last opportunity of six weeks. “If you fail this time, your principal secretary has to remain present before us,” the bench said.
A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili gave this direction while hearing a public interest litigation plea filed by Forum For Good Governance secretary M Padmanabha Reddy, who questioned the ‘lax attitude’ of the state government in implementing its own legislation.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, senior counsel Sivaraju Srinivas said the state government had amended the GHMC Act and inserted section 462(A) in it paving the way for establishment of tribunals. Though six years elapsed since the amendment was made, neither the tribunals were set up, nor any posts in them were filled. Ironically, once the amended Act comes into force, people were barred from approaching civil courts challenging demolitions.
Time was given previously: Bench
Since tribunals were not set up, people were still going to civil courts, he said. He urged the bench to ensure the setting up of the tribunals and appointment of chairman and members to these tribunals. State counsel Radhive Reddy sought time to file counter.
The bench reminded him that time was given several times in the past and gave him the last opportunity of six weeks. “If you fail this time, your principal secretary has to remain present before us,” the bench said.
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