Telangana farmhouse demolition

Telangana HC Mandates Due Procedures for Demolition of KTR-Leased Farmhouse

In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court has instructed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) to adhere strictly to legal procedures before proceeding with the demolition of a farmhouse in Janwada. The property, leased by BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR), has been at the center of controversy due to allegations of illegal construction within a restricted zone.

Background: Illegal Construction and Controversy

The farmhouse, owned by B Pradeep Reddy, was constructed within a 10-kilometer radius of the Osmansagar and Himathsagar reservoirs, an area governed by Government Order (GO) 111. This order was established to protect the catchment areas of these reservoirs, preventing any construction that could potentially harm the water bodies. However, the farmhouse was allegedly built in violation of this order, sparking legal challenges and public outcry.

KT Rama Rao, who leased the farmhouse from his friend Pradeep Reddy, found himself embroiled in the controversy when accusations surfaced about the legality of the property. The issue gained further traction in March 2020, when Chief Minister Revanth Reddy publicly alleged that KTR was the true owner of the farmhouse. Reddy released drone footage showing the property and claimed  it was an illegal construction within the protected zone.

Legal Proceedings: Court Demands Due Process

On Wednesday, the Telangana High Court, presided over by Justice K Lakshman, heard the case concerning the demolition of the farmhouse. During the hearing, Justice Lakshman refused to grant a stay on the demolition but emphasized the importance of following due legal procedures. The court directed HYDRA, the agency responsible for monitoring and protecting public assets, to ensure that all necessary protocols are observed before taking any action against the farmhouse.

Justice Lakshman questioned the additional advocate general (AAG) about HYDRA’s jurisdiction and authority in this matter. The court sought clarification on whether the full-tank levels (FTL) of all lakes in the region had been notified in the past, as this would determine the legality of the farmhouse’s location.

HYDRA’s Role and Responsibilities

The additional advocate general informed the court that HYDRA is an independent body with the authority to take action against illegal constructions. He explained that demolitions are only carried out after prior notices are served to the owners of structures built within the FTL and buffer zones of lakes. However, the court expressed concern over the demolition of properties that had been standing for 15 to 20 years, questioning how such actions could be justified after so long.

The bench also requested documentation from HYDRA, including records of past demolitions and details of the notice issued to the owners of the Janwada farmhouse. Justice Lakshman stressed the need for HYDRA to consider all relevant documentation and to follow the established procedures before proceeding with any demolition activities.

The Farmhouse in Question

The farmhouse in Janwada, located in Shankarpally village of Rangareddy district, covers a built-up area of 3,895.12 square feet on a plot of 1,210 square yards. The property has been the subject of intense scrutiny ever since Revanth Reddy’s allegations in 2020. The drone videos released by Reddy purportedly showed the farmhouse within the restricted zone near Osmansagar and Himathsagar reservoirs.

Following Reddy’s accusations, the Narsingi police took up the case suo motu and booked Revanth Reddy under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges included obstructing the sale of property, omission to assist a public servant, unauthorized use of a drone, and criminal conspiracy. Reddy was subsequently arrested and sent to jail.

Conclusion: A Legal Battle with Far-Reaching Implications

The Telangana High Court’s directive to follow due procedures in the demolition of the Janwada farmhouse highlights the complexities involved in enforcing land and construction laws. The case serves as a reminder of the legal and political challenges that arise when allegations of illegal construction intersect with high-profile individuals.

As the case continues to unfold, the adherence to legal protocols will be closely watched, not only for its impact on the individuals involved but also for its broader implications on land use and environmental protection in Telangana.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is based on the information available at the time of writing. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and the final outcomes may vary as new evidence or arguments are presented in court.

Telangana CM Faces Court in Defamation Case