Kukatpally Plot Auction Paused by Telangana High Court Pending Open Space Clarification
The Telangana High Court has stepped in to pause the auction process of 24 stray plots in the Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB) colony, stating that the plots cannot be sold until their status is clarified. This decision follows a petition filed by the KPHB Sri Venkata Ramana Colony Welfare Association (Phase XV), which raised concerns regarding the plots' designation as open space intended for the community.
The Telangana High Court has intervened to pause the auction process of 24 disputed plots in the Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB) colony, ruling that the plots cannot be sold until their status is clarified. This decision follows a petition by the KPHB Sri Venkata Ramana Colony Welfare Association (Phase XV), which raised concerns over whether the plots are designated open spaces intended for the community.
The association's legal counsel, M. Roopender, argued that auctioning plots ranging from 30 square yards to 290 square yards could violate the approved layout plan of the area. These plots, Roopender claimed, could form part of the open space designated for residents’ use, and selling them would be against the original planning principles.
State counsel, Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy, informed the court that the auction process had already begun with a notification issued on January 9 and the auction held on January 24. However, the petitioners filed the case at the last minute, attempting to prevent the completion of the process.
Justice T. Vinod Kumar, who heard the case, scrutinized the tender notification and other relevant documents before issuing the order. He highlighted that the sanctioned layout for the colony included provisions for at least five acres of open space. However, it remained unclear whether this area had been handed over to the local authority for development into public lung space. Furthermore, it was uncertain whether the plots up for auction were part of the planned open spaces.
The judge emphasized that no further steps could be taken until the authorities provide clarity on the matter. The court has directed the government not to finalize the sale of these plots to the successful bidders. This order will remain in effect until the next hearing on January 30, 2025, when the court is expected to review the government's response.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about land use and urban planning, especially in rapidly developing areas like Kukatpally. The KPHB colony, like many others in Hyderabad, faces challenges related to maintaining a balance between residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar land disputes in the future.
For the residents and the KPHB Sri Venkata Ramana Colony Welfare Association, the court's intervention offers a temporary respite in their fight to preserve public spaces within the colony. The association has raised questions about the long-term impact of land sales on community welfare, pointing to the importance of open spaces for maintaining quality of life in densely populated areas.
As the court case progresses, the state's approach to urban development will come under further scrutiny. The outcome may prompt more detailed reviews of land-use policies and raise important questions about transparency and governance in land transactions.
