Hyderabad, 27 July
HC Imposes Rs 3 Lakh Penalty on Owner Over Illegal Building Construction
The Telangana High Court has imposed a Rs 3 lakh penalty on a property owner for allegedly carrying out unauthorised construction in Hyderabad. The case involved the construction of two additional floors and a penthouse beyond the approved building plan.
Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Aruna Agarwal, a resident of Alkapur Township in Neknampur Village, Gandipet.
Extra Floors Constructed Without Approval
According to the case details, municipal authorities had earlier directed the petitioner to stop construction and remove the unauthorised portions of the building.
The approved building plan allowed the construction of a ground floor and two upper floors. However, the petitioner allegedly went beyond the sanctioned plan and constructed two additional floors along with a penthouse. HC Imposes Rs 3 Lakh Penalty on Owner Over Illegal Building Construction.
The Telangana High Court observed that the unauthorised construction resulted in nearly 8,000 to 10,000 square feet of additional built-up space.
The extent of the additional construction became a key concern during the hearing, as the structure allegedly exceeded the limits permitted under the sanctioned building plan.
Petitioner Cites Joint Family as Reason
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel attempted to justify the additional construction by stating that the extra space had been created to accommodate a joint family.
The petitioner also requested the High Court to direct municipal authorities to consider an application seeking regularisation of the unauthorised construction. HC Imposes Rs 3 Lakh Penalty on Owner Over Illegal Building Construction.
However, the court expressed concern over the growing issue of illegal constructions in Hyderabad.
Telangana High Court Raises Concern Over Illegal Constructions
Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy observed that unauthorised constructions have become a major issue in Hyderabad.
The court subsequently imposed a Rs 3 lakh penalty while directing the municipal authorities to consider the petitioner’s application for regularisation. HC Imposes Rs 3 Lakh Penalty on Owner Over Illegal Building Construction.
The order highlights the court’s concern regarding construction carried out beyond approved building plans and the need for property owners to comply with municipal regulations.
Rs 3 Lakh Penalty Allocated for Welfare
The Telangana High Court also specified how the penalty amount should be utilised.
According to the order, Rs 2 lakh from the penalty will be given to municipal authorities to provide health benefits to contract sanitary workers and scavengers.
The remaining Rs 1 lakh will be paid to the Telangana High Court Advocates Association for the welfare of young lawyers. HC Imposes Rs 3 Lakh Penalty on Owner Over Illegal Building Construction.
The case underscores the importance of obtaining proper approvals before carrying out construction and adhering to sanctioned building plans. The municipal authorities will now consider the petitioner’s regularisation application as directed by the court.