HC orders contempt case against HYDRAA Commissioner over illegal demolition
The Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed the Registry to suo moto register a contempt of court case against A.V. Ranganath, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), for allegedly violating court orders by demolishing a compound wall in Malkajgiri.
Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, hearing the matter, observed that HYDRAA authorities had put up a link-mesh fencing around the property without any proper communication or instruction from the Revenue authorities concerned. The Medchal Malkajgiri District Collector and the Tahsildars of Malkajgiri and Trimulgherry, who were physically present in the court, informed the bench that they had given no instructions to HYDRAA to carry out the compound wall demolition.
The judge noted that the Collector had also informed the bench that HYDRAA authorities had carried out 30 to 40 demolitions in his jurisdiction without legal backing. Taking a serious view of this, Justice Kumar directed the Collector to submit a report on all such unauthorised demolitions by the next date of hearing.
The court further instructed the government to ensure that all jurisdictional District Collectors within HYDRAA's area of operation communicate every order passed by the High Court to the agency. This is intended to prevent any further demolitions or other actions by HYDRAA that might violate court orders.
HYDRAA, formed by the Telangana government, is tasked with protecting government assets and responding to disasters and encroachments. Its operations have often drawn scrutiny, with questions raised about the legality and transparency of some of its demolition drives.
Wednesday's order comes amid growing concerns about administrative overreach and the importance of adhering to judicial decisions. The suo moto contempt case against a senior IPS officer underscores the principle that all authorities, regardless of rank, are bound by the rule of law and must act within the framework of court orders.
The High Court's direction to the Collector to prepare a detailed report on demolitions lacking legal sanctity is a significant step towards ensuring accountability. It will likely bring to light instances where executive actions may have exceeded their mandate.
Legal experts note that the judges's emphasis on proper communication between revenue authorities and HYDRAA is crucial for maintaining the checks and balances in administrative actions. Without such coordination, there is a risk of arbitrary actions that undermine citizens' rights to property and due process.
The case is scheduled for further hearing, with the court expecting the report from the Collector. In the meantime, the contempt proceedings against HYDRAA Commissioner will draw attention to the need for strict compliance with judicial directives.
This development is a reminder that in a constitutional democracy, every institution and officeholder must operate within the boundaries of law. The judiciary's intervention in this instance serves as a check on potential excesses by executive agencies involved in large-scale demolitions.
Residents of Malkajgiri and surrounding areas, who have witnessed several such actions, will be watching the outcome closely. Many hope that the court's orders will bring greater scrutiny and fairness in how agencies like HYDRAA execute their duties.
