The Telangana High Court issued a stern warning to the state government on Monday, indicating it would impose financial penalties if the authorities continued to delay filing their responses in a crucial public interest litigation (PIL). The PIL challenges the proposed relocation of the historic Osmania General Hospital (OGH) to Goshamahal.
Court's Patience Wears Thin Over Delayed Counters
A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin expressed clear frustration during the hearing. The state government's legal representatives had once again requested additional time to submit their counter-affidavits. The bench pointed out that despite a specific direction given in a previous hearing in October 2025, the state had still not filed its official response. The court has now adjourned the matter and listed it for hearing after three weeks, making it clear that further delays would not be tolerated.
Core Issues in the OGH Relocation Challenge
The PIL, filed by petitioner Gundolu Ramu, seeks to halt the construction of the new hospital building on a 31.39-acre plot of government land in Goshamahal. The petitioners argue that this land was originally designated as a park and open space. The central legal contention is that the transfer and construction plans violate city planning regulations outlined in the Hyderabad master plan and contravene state urban development laws, making the move illegal and unconstitutional.
During the proceedings, senior counsel L Ravichander, representing the petitioner, brought a significant new development to the court's attention. He argued that Government Order (GO) Ms 115, issued on November 2, 2024, is the foundational document for the land allotment and must be specifically challenged. Ravichander stated that the petitioner was previously unaware of this GO and was even denied a copy under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. "The petitioner got to know of the GO only after the respondents filed their counter affidavit, and without challenging that, the petitioner could not effectively challenge the allotment decision itself," he argued.
Legal Proceedings Move Forward
Recognizing the importance of this argument, the bench allowed an interlocutory application to be filed within the existing PIL. This application will formally challenge GO Ms 115. The court's warning of imposing costs underscores the seriousness with which it views the state's procedural delays in a matter of significant public interest concerning healthcare infrastructure and urban planning in Hyderabad.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between urban development projects and adherence to statutory planning norms. The outcome will have major implications for the future of one of Telangana's most prominent healthcare institutions and the use of public land in the state capital.
