Telangana high court orders inquiry into alleged illegal constructions at Nandagiri Hills

Hyderabad: Justice K Lakshman of the Telangana high court on Wednesday directed the principal secretary of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department to conduct a detailed inquiry into the alleged illegal constructions by M/s Net Net Ventures at Nandagiri Hills in Jubilee Hills.

The judge passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by Nandagiri Hills Cooperative House Building Society seeking directions to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other authorities to act upon a Vigilance & Enforcement (V&E) report dated June 18, 2024, which highlighted serious deviations in the construction carried out by Net Net Ventures.

Some of the deviations are unauthorised ramps in setback areas, exceeding permissible building height, night-time construction causing public nuisance, violations of environmental clearances, and building permits.

Justice Lakshman noted that despite the V&E report’s findings, the GHMC commissioner had requested the government to drop further action instead of enforcing compliance. The court observed, “There are serious allegations against the builder, Net Net Ventures, including obtaining permits by misrepresentation and violating multiple regulations.”

Key Directions: The judge directed the MA&UD principal secretary to conduct an inquiry within two months, examining the V&E report’s recommendations, the role of former GHMC Commissioner Amrapali Kata, and compliance with environmental and building norms, among others. As the GHMC’s demolition order was challenged before the city civil court by the builder, the HC judge directed the Chief Judge, City Small Causes Court, to consider these aspects while adjudicating the builder’s plea. Posting the case to Oct 6 for further hearing, the judge said the previous status quo order would be in force until further orders.