HC warns of heavy fines for illegal constructions seeking court shield

Hyderabad: Taking a stern stance against illegal constructions, Telangana high court has sent a clear warning: Petitioners approaching the court to shield unauthorised portions of their buildings from demolition or sealing may face heavy fines.The message was delivered in strong terms by Justice NV Shravan Kumar, who cautioned against the growing tendency of builders to flout approved plans and then seek judicial protection.

“You (petitioner) should have constructed as per the plan. You think that you can do whatever, and you can manage anybody. Later on, we’ll see if somebody finds it to be an unauthorised portion. This attitude should go. Maybe we can consider (if it’s done) out of ignorance, but people who do it intentionally?” said Justice Kumar during the hearing.The case involved a businessman who sought immediate directions to unseal his property, spread over 267 square yards at Jeedimetla, and requested the court to restrain authorities from further coercive action against the construction.The petitioner’s counsel argued that the construction was on joint family property, justifying the building activity.Justice Kumar, however, dismissed the explanation, saying: “Depending on the floor size, and the area, authorities will give permission, but you (petitioner) start doing as per your wishes and without considering the situation of the neighbors (due to such constructions).

This is the whole problem.”When the counsel attempted further justification, the judge pointed out that the arguments did not answer the court’s queries.Issuing a stern warning of imposing a heavy fine, the judge directed authorities to continue sealing the premises. He also questioned the petitioner’s counsel on what would be done with the authorised portions already constructed.The court ordered counters in the matter and adjourned the hearing to July 7, making it clear that unauthorised construction will not be tolerated and that attempts to bypass the law through litigation will invite strict consequences.