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The Telangana High Court on September 30, 2024, issued a stern warning to Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) commissioner A.V. Ranganath and the Ameenpur tahasildar. The reprimand stemmed from their actions involving the demolition of a house in Ameenpur on a Sunday, a day that is typically considered a holiday, without providing the property owner an opportunity to explain their position. Justice K. Lakshman, presiding over the case, expressed his dissatisfaction with the officials' disregard for established procedures and judicial orders.
The petition challenging the demolition was brought before the court by the property owner, who argued that their building in Kistareddypet gram panchayat was pulled down despite a previous court order to maintain the status quo. The judge, having previously issued a directive for the officials to appear before the court, was keen to understand why the demolition took place on a holiday. The tahasildar, unable to offer a satisfactory explanation, faced further questioning regarding the court's full bench verdict against demolitions on holidays. Her failure to allow the 48-hour grace period for the owner to vacate the premises added to the court's concerns.
When questioning turned to HYDRAA commissioner Ranganath, he attempted to justify the agency's involvement by stating that HYDRAA acted as a coordinating agency and sent manpower and machinery at the tahasildar's request. However, the judge posed a hypothetical scenario, asking if HYDRAA would send resources to demolish the High Court building on a Sunday if requested by the Charminar tahasildar. Ranganath's affirmative answer highlighted the inconsistency between his declaration of respect for the courts and his agency's participation in the holiday demolition. The judge emphasized that the demolition in Ameenpur violated established procedures and should not have occurred on a holiday.
In light of the officials' explanations, the judge directed them to file counter affidavits by October 17, while maintaining the status quo regarding the property. This directive ensures that no further actions are taken by the authorities while legal proceedings are underway. The case serves as a significant reminder for officials to adhere to proper legal procedures and judicial orders, emphasizing that respecting the rule of law is paramount in carrying out official duties.