Hyderabad Road Expansion to Follow Fair Compensation Process
The Telangana High Court has directed HMDA and GHMC to follow due process and ensure fair compensation before taking portions of private properties for Master Plan road expansion in Hyderabad.
Justice Suddala Chalapathi Rao passed the order on a petition filed by owners of five plots in Khanamet village. The landowners said portions of their properties and structures were affected by the proposed widening of an existing 30-feet internal road to an 80/120-feet road. The petitioners claimed ownership of Plot Nos. 138, 140, 141, 142 and 144 in a sanctioned layout formed by the Survey of India Cooperative Housing Society Limited. They argued that the affected portions could not be taken without following the statutory land acquisition process. The High Court directed HMDA and GHMC to conduct a proper survey after informing the landowners and clearly identify the portions of the properties affected by the Master Plan.
The authorities must then determine compensation in accordance with the applicable laws and government orders. If the landowners are found eligible, the court directed that the compensation should be paid according to law. The court noted that the Master Plan itself was not being challenged. Instead, the landowners’ grievance concerned the procedure followed before taking possession of their properties. HMDA informed the court that the Master Plan had been approved and notified by the then Andhra Pradesh government in 2001. It also noted that Khanamet village now falls under GHMC jurisdiction.
The High Court further considered a related dispute concerning the same layout that is pending before the Supreme Court. It permitted HMDA and GHMC to ascertain the nature of that dispute and proceed after obtaining appropriate legal advice. The ruling highlights the importance of balancing Hyderabad’s infrastructure expansion with the rights of private property owners. Road widening can improve connectivity, but affected landowners must receive proper notice, lawful treatment and compensation where applicable. The decision provides greater clarity for landowners whose properties are affected by planned road infrastructure and reinforces the need for authorities to follow established legal procedures during urban development.
