Hyderabad, 13 June
The Telangana High Court has imposed a penalty of Rs 50,000 on HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath for failing to comply with court directions in a land dispute case involving a two-acre property in Vengalrao Nagar, Hyderabad.
Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar passed the order after observing that the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) failed to file a counter-affidavit despite being granted multiple opportunities by the court. The judge noted that the agency had not submitted its response within the stipulated timeframe.
The court directed that the penalty amount be deposited into the Chief Justice Relief Fund. It further clarified that any counter-affidavit filed by HYDRAA would only be taken on record after proof of payment of the imposed cost is produced before the court.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on June 15.
Vengalrao Nagar Land Dispute
The case relates to a two-acre parcel of land located in Vengalrao Nagar, Hyderabad.
According to the petitioners, who claim to be the legal heirs of late Farhatullah, possession of the property was handed over to them in March 2008 following orders issued by the Supreme Court. They contend that they have remained in possession of the land ever since.
The petitioners informed the court that the Telangana High Court had previously directed both HYDRAA and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) not to interfere with the property or disturb their possession.
However, they alleged that HYDRAA officials, accompanied by police personnel, entered the land in March this year, demolished an existing compound wall, and erected barbed-wire fencing around the property.
The petitioners further claimed that signboards indicating the land belonged to a housing scheme were installed despite earlier judicial orders concerning the disputed property. They also alleged that authorities failed to act on complaints regarding the alleged occupation of a portion of the land.
Next Hearing on June 15
The High Court’s order highlights the importance of compliance with judicial directions by government agencies and public officials. The court will take up the matter again on June 15, when further submissions are expected to be made.