Andhra Pradesh High Court halts demolition of YSRCP offices, action only if affecting public safety

AMARAVATI: In a significant judgment stopping the demolition of YSRCP offices in the State by authorities, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday ordered that no demolition order should be confirmed without hearing the party's concerns.

Disposing a batch of writ petitions filed by YSRCP challenging the demolition notices issued to the party offices of 10 districts, Justice B. Krishna Mohan also said demolitions can be carried out only if the building structure in question adversely affects public safety. The High Court directed the State to not take any coercive actions against the YSRCP without allowing an explanation and sufficient time to file a reply. It also ordered that the only criteria under which the demolition order could be advanced was 'public safety.'

The YSRCP contended that its offices were being targeted following the change of Government in the State. The notices were issued on June 24, and the petitions were filed on June 26. The YSRCP counsel argued that the notices were not issued by a competent authority. It was also contended that demolition orders should be passed as a last resort and not whimsically at the behest of the ruling party.

However, when the Bench suggested that the Government officials conduct proceedings, following only the procedure established by law, the petitioners opposed by bringing to the notice of the Court that in a similar case when similar directions were passed by the Court, the State undertook to comply with the orders but demolished the construction the very next day.

The Government prosecutor for municipal administration, on the other hand, argued that the issuance of a demolition notice is proof in itself that the procedure was being followed. After hearing both sides, the Bench had reserved its orders in the matter last Friday.