Telangana High Court Flags GHMC Over Unauthorised Construction Enforcement in Hyderabad

The Telangana High Court has raised fresh concerns over the way the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is dealing with unauthorised constructions in Hyderabad, adding to a series of judicial interventions over building violations in the city.

The latest concerns come against a backdrop of continued complaints about construction activity taking place without proper approvals or beyond the limits permitted under sanctioned building plans. The court has also taken note of instances where properties sealed by authorities were allegedly reopened illegally.

The issue has brought renewed attention to the effectiveness of GHMC’s enforcement machinery, particularly its town planning wing, which is responsible for monitoring construction activity and taking action against violations.

Earlier this year, Justice K. Lakshman had pointed to the need for clearer powers for GHMC’s town planning department under the Telangana State Building Permission Approval and Self-Certification System (TS-bPASS). The court had also flagged cases involving sealed properties being reopened, highlighting challenges in ensuring that enforcement orders are effectively implemented.

The scale of the pending litigation adds another layer to the issue. More than 2.75 lakh related cases are pending before the court, reflecting the extent of disputes and complaints surrounding unauthorised construction and enforcement across the city.

GHMC has undertaken several enforcement initiatives in recent years. In 2024, the civic body reported demolishing 439 illegal structures over a three-month period. It has also formed zonal special task forces to identify and act against unauthorised buildings.

Despite these measures, complaints have continued, particularly over additional floors being constructed beyond approved plans. Such violations can create challenges for urban planning, infrastructure capacity and compliance with building regulations in rapidly developing parts of Hyderabad.

The court’s observations therefore put the spotlight not only on identifying illegal construction but also on the follow-through after enforcement action is taken. Sealing a property or ordering action against a violation has limited impact if the measures are subsequently circumvented.

For Hyderabad, where residential and commercial development continues across several expanding urban corridors, effective building regulation remains an important part of managing growth. The continuing judicial scrutiny is likely to keep attention focused on GHMC’s enforcement mechanisms, the powers available to its planning officials and the pace at which construction-related disputes are resolved.

The developments also underline the importance of obtaining the necessary approvals before undertaking construction and adhering to sanctioned plans. For authorities, the larger challenge remains ensuring that enforcement is consistent, transparent and capable of preventing repeat violations.