HCU case: Supreme Court questions legal violations
The Supreme Court has issued strict orders to stop tree cutting in 400 acres of Gachibowli. It has warned that no one can take the law into their own hands. The court has ordered the Telangana government to halt all activities in the area immediately. These orders will remain in effect until further notice.
Supreme Court Stays Tree Cutting in HCU Lands
The Supreme Court has halted tree-cutting activities in Hyderabad Central University (HCU) lands. It reviewed petitions on the land dispute and examined an interim report from the High Court registrar. The court expressed serious concerns over the government’s handling of the issue. It questioned why the authorities acted without legal approval. The judges called the situation critical and instructed the Telangana government to stop further actions.
Lack of Permissions Raises Concerns
The Supreme Court questioned whether the government had obtained the necessary permissions. It reminded officials that no one can violate the law. The interim report revealed that large-scale deforestation was taking place. Authorities had used heavy machinery to clear nearly 100 acres of land. The report also confirmed the presence of deer and other wildlife in the area. The court noted that a lake near the cleared land served as a habitat for these animals.
The judges included the Chief Secretary of Telangana as a respondent in the case. They demanded answers about the urgency behind the deforestation and development activities. The court asked if officials had conducted an environmental impact assessment before proceeding. It instructed the Telangana government to submit a detailed affidavit. The next hearing will take place on April 16.
High Court Postpones Hearing
The Telangana High Court also reviewed public interest litigations on this land issue. After hearing arguments, the court postponed the case to April 7. The Advocate General requested more time to file a counter, leading to the delay. Until then, the court extended its previous order to halt all activities in Gachibowli.
Students welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. BRS Working President KTR called it a victory for HCU students. He credited their relentless struggle for the favorable verdict. He also thanked environmentalists, activists, celebrities, media, and social media supporters for backing the fight to protect Gachibowli’s lands.
