HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court has questioned the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) over the manner in which demolitions were carried out at ZRESTA Villas in Kokapet without issuing prior notices. Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka issued interim orders to maintain status quo while hearing a house motion moved by the petitioners, ZRESTA Villa Owners Maintenance Mutually Aided Cooperative Society.
Petitioners' Allegations
According to the petitioners, HYDRAA personnel allegedly entered the premises illegally on May 26 and demolished the compound wall from the rear side without any prior notice. Challenging the demolition, the petitioners moved a house motion before the vacation bench of the High Court.
Petitioners' counsel, Pasham Mohith, argued that out of the total 9.1 acres of land, 8.1 acres were private land, and the government had acquired 1.09 acres as government land for Kottacheruvu lake. The remaining 6.1 acres were developed into villas and handed over to the society in 2019. A dispute regarding the 1.09 acres was pending before a court.
HYDRAA Actions Questioned
Mohith further contended that in March, HYDRAA marked the land based on a complaint from private individuals, copies of which were not provided to the society. When society representatives approached the HYDRAA office for clarification, the commissioner refused to meet them. He added that after demolishing the compound wall, HYDRAA even attempted to erect a fence on the property.
Court's Interim Order
After hearing the arguments, Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka issued interim orders to maintain status quo, stating that demolishing structures without notice, especially when the land was sub judice, was inappropriate. The judge issued notices to HYDRAA, the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to file detailed counters. The matter has been adjourned.
