Observing that the functioning style of Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) was objectionable, Justice K. Lakshman of Telangana High Court on Thursday said that HYDRAA authorities had been violating the assurances given to the HC that procedures laid down in the law will be followed.
The judge was hearing a writ petition filed by a person A. Praveen, who contended that HYDRAA personnel demolished his tin shed over a plot of 350 square yards at Muthangi in Patancheru of Sangareddy district without giving him adequate time and examine his documents. The authorities acted upon a complaint of the Gayathri Members Association charging that the tin shed was erected on a plot earmarked for public park.
The petitioner maintained that he presented land conversion documents, sale deed and permissions granted by village panchayat for his plot. Yet, the demolition was carried out. HYDRAA standing counsel informed the bench that village panchayat secretary granted permission under pressure but eventually withdrew the same. He assured the court that HYDRAA would not undertake demolitions on a holiday in the future.
The judge remarked that HYDRAA officials were indulging in demolitions on holidays despite assuring the court that they would not resort to such actions. A register would have to be maintained about the assurances and violations of the HYDRAA, the judge said.
Justice K. Lakshman sought to know from the standing counsel why the documents relating to the cancellation of the permission to the shed were not placed before the court. The matter was adjourned to March 5, directing the petitioner and the officials to maintain status quo in the matter.
