Telangana High Court Imposes Rs 3 Lakh Fine on Hyderabad Property Owner Over Illegal Construction

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has taken a strict stand against unauthorised constructions in Hyderabad by imposing a Rs 3 lakh fine on a property owner. Justice Bolam Vijay Sen Reddy, while hearing a petition filed by Aruna Agrawal, a resident of Alkapur Township, Neknampur, directed that her regularisation application may be considered only after payment of the penalty. The Court also clarified that regularisation is not an automatic right and must comply with existing zoning laws and prescribed building height norms.

Telangana High Court Takes Strict View on Illegal Construction

Justice Bolam Vijay Sen Reddy observed that those who violate building construction laws must face financial penalties to protect public infrastructure and government resources.

The case was heard on a petition filed by Aruna Agrawal, a resident of Alkapur Township, Neknampur, Hyderabad.

Owner Constructed Two Extra Floors and a Penthouse

The Court was informed that the petitioner had originally received permission to construct:

• Ground Floor
• Two Upper Floors

However, despite the sanctioned building plan, she allegedly constructed:

• Two additional floors
• One penthouse

According to the Court, the unauthorised construction created approximately 8,000 to 10,000 square feet of additional built-up area.

The value of the illegal construction was stated to be between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4 crore.

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Petitioner Sought Regularisation of Building

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the additional floors were constructed to accommodate a joint family.

The lawyer requested the Court to consider the petitioner’s application for regularisation of the building.

Court Says Illegal Constructions Have Become a Serious Problem

During the hearing, Justice Bolam Vijay Sen Reddy remarked that illegal constructions have become a serious issue in Hyderabad.

The Judge observed that thousands of petitions are filed every year before the Court only to stop demolition proceedings.

He further stated that when people violate laws without fear, it discourages citizens who follow the law.

Court Raises Concern Over Pending Regularisation Applications

The Court noted that in 2016, more than 1.38 lakh regularisation applications were pending.

According to the Court, that number has now crossed 2 lakh applications.

The Court also questioned the functioning of local authorities, observing that in some cases, action is not taken during the initial stages of illegal construction due to political or external pressure.

Rs 3 Lakh Fine and Directions on Utilisation of Amount

The Telangana High Court directed that the petitioner’s regularisation application may be considered only after payment of a Rs 3 lakh penalty.

However, the Court made it clear that regularisation would be subject to:

• Existing zoning regulations
• Prescribed building height norms

The Court also ordered that:

• Rs 2 lakh from the fine shall be utilised for the medical facilities of municipal contract sanitation workers and sewerage staff.
• Rs 1 lakh shall be deposited into the Telangana High Court Advocates Association Welfare Fund for the welfare of young advocates.

Status Quo to Continue

For the present, the Court directed that status quo be maintained regarding the concerned property and disposed of the case.

The Telangana High Court has imposed a Rs 3 lakh fine on Aruna Agrawal, a resident of Alkapur Township, Neknampur, for allegedly carrying out unauthorised construction beyond the approved plan. Justice Bolam Vijay Sen Reddy ruled that her regularisation application can be considered only after payment of the penalty and in accordance with existing zoning laws and building height rules. The Court also ordered the distribution of the fine for the welfare of municipal sanitation workers, sewerage staff, and young advocates, while directing that status quo be maintained on the property.