Hyderabad, November 21, 2025 – In a stinging rebuke, the Telangana High Court on Friday sharply criticized the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) for operating in a haze of ambiguity, declaring that "nobody knows what you are doing" and warning it could stall the agency's aggressive demolition drives if it fails to adopt proper standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The court's admonition came during a hearing on a petition filed by the Sandhya Group, a real estate developer challenging the demolition of its structures in the FCI Layout at Gachibowli. The structures were razed by HYDRAA teams on November 17, prompting the firm to approach the court alleging violations of due process.
Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, presiding over the single-judge bench, pulled no punches in highlighting HYDRAA's operational opacity. "Nobody is clear on what HYDRAA has to do and on what basis it is acting. Even government counsels are not aware. Every case they come with a new provision, new argument," the judge remarked, underscoring the agency's lack of transparency, defined structure, authority, and clear powers. The court also questioned the timing of demolitions, pointing to instances of early-morning raids that catch residents off guard, and raised concerns over the vagueness of notices issued by the agency.
HYDRAA, established earlier this year under the Congress-led state government to reclaim encroached public lands—particularly around water bodies and urban assets—has been at the center of controversy since its inception. While supporters hail it as a bold move against illegal constructions, critics, including affected developers and residents, accuse it of overreach and bypassing legal safeguards.
In the Sandhya Group case, the petitioners argued that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice or opportunity for hearing, violating principles of natural justice. The layout in question, spanning multiple plots, allegedly encroaches on government land, but individual plot owners claimed they had valid permissions.
Responding to the lapses, Justice Reddy issued an interim order directing HYDRAA and the Sandhya Group to refrain from entering the disputed layout for the next 15 days. Individual plot owners, however, were granted access to their properties, and the developer was barred from resuming any construction activities. The court further mandated the Additional Advocate General to counsel HYDRAA on streamlining its operations, emphasizing adherence to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act and other relevant provisions.
The judge went a step further, issuing a stark warning: "Is HYDRAA following any SOP or acting under the provisions of the GHMC Act? These aspects require detailed consideration." Failure to clarify and rectify could lead to a blanket halt on all HYDRAA activities, except those directly involving the protection of water bodies and drainage systems (nalas).
This is not the first time the High Court has reined in HYDRAA. Just last week, it pulled up the agency for "repeated misuse of authority" in a separate case involving unauthorized demolitions. Earlier this month, the court sought explanations for early-morning enforcement actions that ignored prior judicial directives. Legal experts view these interventions as a call for accountability, with one senior advocate noting, "HYDRAA's zeal is commendable, but without procedural rigor, it risks becoming a bulldozer without brakes."
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath was present in court but did not immediately respond to queries post-hearing. The state government, through its counsel, assured the bench of internal reviews to address the concerns. The matter is listed for further hearing in two weeks.
As Hyderabad grapples with rapid urbanization and encroachments on vital green and water spaces, the court's directive underscores the delicate balance between swift action and the rule of law. For now, the 15-day truce in Gachibowli offers a breather, but the pressure is on HYDRAA to get its act together—or face the full stop.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
