If process not followed, will stay formation of HYDRAA, High Court warns Telangana govt

HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court strongly criticised HYDRAA Commissioner Av Ranganath and Ameenpur Tehsildar for showing excessive zeal in executing demolitions, seemingly to please political superiors. The court warned that such over-enthusiasm could ultimately lead to severe consequences for the officials themselves.

During the hearing, the judge expressed anger over the decision to conduct building demolitions on a Sunday, despite prior orders explicitly prohibiting such actions on weekends. The judge questioned the officials' disregard for these directives, sharply remarking, "You had time to carry out demolitions but not to read the court order?" The court suggested that sending non-compliant officials to Chanchalguda or Charlapalli prisons might be necessary to enforce adherence.

The Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) was also reprimanded for arguing in defense of the illegal actions instead of acknowledging the violations. The court stressed that officials should not act differently based on an individual's social standing - treating influential people one way and the less powerful another was deemed unacceptable.

In addition, the High Court mentioned the possibility of revoking Government Order 99, which originally set up HYDRAA , citing increasing dissatisfaction with its operations, which were initially well-received.