Court Mandates Demolition of Unauthorized House on Protected Tungabhadra Land
In a significant legal ruling, a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district, has issued a firm order for the demolition of a residential house constructed on land owned by the Tungabhadra Board. The decision underscores a clear violation of established regulations and prior court directives, highlighting the strict enforcement of land use laws in sensitive areas.
Violation of Official Secrets Act and Land Regulations
According to a press release by Tungabhadra Board secretary ORK Reddy, the reservoir, powerhouse, and surrounding zones are designated as prohibited areas under the Official Secrets Act of 1923. This classification strictly forbids any permanent constructions to ensure security and operational integrity. The Board manages a total of 696.1 acres of land, with 207.4 acres falling under Hosapete jurisdiction and 488.7 acres under Amaravati jurisdiction. Despite these clear restrictions, unauthorized developments have persisted, leading to multiple legal battles.
ORK Reddy emphasized that the land is jointly administered by the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, where permanent building activities are explicitly prohibited. Currently, as many as 23 cases related to encroachments on Board land are under trial across various courts, indicating a widespread issue of illegal occupation and construction.
Illegal Construction and Court Proceedings
In a specific instance, a woman constructed a building on an 80-by-100-foot plot near the TB Dam hospital in Nishani Camp, blatantly disregarding the legal prohibitions. The JMFC court, in its order dated March 28, declared the structure illegal and directed its immediate demolition. The court further noted that the woman had violated an earlier status quo order, which had been put in place to prevent such unauthorized activities.
First additional civil judge and JMFC J Chaitra sentenced the woman to two months of imprisonment for contempt of court, reinforcing the seriousness of flouting judicial mandates. This penalty serves as a stern warning to others who might consider similar encroachments on protected lands.
Phased Demolition and Future Actions
ORK Reddy confirmed that the demolition process will be carried out in phases to ensure orderly execution. He also issued a strong statement, asserting that similar encroachments on Tungabhadra Board land will face stringent legal action. This move aims to deter future violations and uphold the integrity of the land designated for critical infrastructure and security purposes.
The court's ruling highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illegal constructions in prohibited zones, ensuring compliance with national security and land management protocols. As legal proceedings continue for other cases, this case sets a precedent for strict enforcement and accountability in land use disputes involving government-owned properties.
