11/9/2024
Hyderabad: In a recent order, Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to proceed with limited land acquisition for the Amberpet flyover, despite objections raised by a local religious institution. The directive came while hearing a petition filed by Shalem Bible Church in Golnaka, which challenged the GHMC’s proposal to acquire a section of the church’s property for the flyover’s construction.
The church contends that while it was notified in 2017 to relinquish approximately 94.20 square yards, it believes the acquisition unfairly targets their property, as other nearby religious sites, such as temples and dargahs along the flyover path, were spared from demolition. The church argues that it has been in possession of the land for many years, even though formal ownership documents are not available. According to the petitioners, the church was left out of discussions related to compensation, unlike other property owners involved in the acquisition. They also requested that GHMC consider a realignment of the project to avoid disturbing their site.
The counsel representing the opposing party submitted a 1964 document, purportedly indicating the official ownership of the contested land, potentially weakening the church’s stance. After hearing from both parties, Justice Vijaysen Reddy directed the GHMC to continue with construction, with conditions to protect the main church structure. The court allowed the demolition of a boundary wall and permitted the acquisition of a portion of the land necessary for the project, while also scheduling further hearings on the case.
In another matter, a division bench of the Telangana High Court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao, is set to conduct a final hearing in January 2025 regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the sale of spy cameras in Telangana. Filed by Hyderabad-based Heaven Homes Society, the petition calls for stricter control over the sale of miniature recording devices, which can be easily hidden and misused, raising concerns over privacy and safety.
The petition highlights the accessibility of these cameras online and in stores, arguing that the lack of regulations enables individuals to covertly place them in public and private spaces, causing significant privacy invasions. The petitioners pointed out the increased risks to women’s safety, citing incidents where such recordings are later shared on adult websites without consent, leading to severe emotional impacts and, in extreme cases, suicides. Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, the bench has asked for the case to be prepared for a final review.
In a separate case, the Telangana High Court, through a bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao, has responded to a PIL seeking the closure of illegal toddy shops operating across Hyderabad and nearby areas, filed by activist Siddhagoni Balraj. The PIL raises public health concerns and legal violations linked to unauthorized sale and consumption of toddy.
The petitioner claims that despite repeated appeals to state authorities, little action has been taken to curb the illicit toddy trade, which reportedly operates unchecked. In response, the court has issued notices to the state government and relevant officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Prohibition and Excise Department and senior departmental leaders, to address the issues raised in the petition. The case is expected to proceed following their responses.
