HYDERABAD: Making it clear that Telangana Housing Board authorities cannot go ahead with the auction of 24 stray plots in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB) colony without first ascertaining whether they form part of the open space meant for residents, the Telangana high court directed the govt not to finalise the sale in favour of the successful bidders in the auction held on Friday.
Justice T Vinod Kumar of gave the order while hearing a petition by KPHB Sri Venkata Ramana Colony Welfare Association (Phase XV). The order will be in force till Jan 30, the next date of hearing. The judge sought counters from the authorities in the meantime.
Association’s counsel M Roopender had argued that allowing authorities to auction the plots ranging from 30 sq yards to 290 sq yards would be contrary to the sanctioned layout.
State’s counsel advocate general A Sudarshan Reddy said the auction was notified on Jan 9 and held on Jan 24, but the petitioner approached the court at the last minute to stall the process.
The judge, who looked at the tender notification and other documents, said there should be five acres of open space but it was not clear if that land was transferred to the local body for developing it as lung space for residents. It was also not clear whether the plots for auction formed part of such open spaces, he said.
