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Andhra Pradesh HC seeks clarification from government on housing constructions in R5 zone

In a recent development, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has instructed the state government to provide clarification on whether the Supreme Court has granted permission for the distribution of house sites and the construction of houses in the R-5 zone. Additionally, the court has requested the state government to furnish details regarding any plans to construct houses in the proposed R-5 zone located in the capital.

Following the acquisition of their land for the construction of the capital in Amaravati, farmers have established welfare associations in all the affected villages. In a collective effort, the secretaries of these associations have jointly filed a petition challenging the construction of houses in the R-5 zone.

Representing the petitioners, senior counsel Unnam Muralidhar Rao argued that the approval granted by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) for the formation of 21 layouts in the R-5 zone, intended for housing construction, is in violation of the AP Building Rules of 2017. The petitioners also contest the transfer of land to the collectors of Guntur and NTR districts for the allocation of house sites to individuals from other areas.

Muralidhar Rao further contended that the capital city's master plan is being manipulated with malicious intent. He emphasized that they have challenged the legislation enacted to amend the master plan, as well as the subsequent gazette notification issued to effect changes in the plan.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, additional advocate general Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy stated that the petitions challenging the legislation are currently pending before the chief justice's bench. He raised objections to including Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as a party respondent in the case.

In response, the High Court bench, consisting of Justice U Durga Prasad Rao and Justice P Venkata Jyothirmai, clarified that they are not presently examining the merits of the petition. They requested the additional advocate general to provide clarification on whether the Supreme Court's order, which stated that the distribution of house sites would be subject to the final outcome of the pending petitions in the High Court, pertains only to house sites or also includes the construction of houses.

Issuing notices to all respondents, excluding the chief minister, the High Court has scheduled further hearings on the matter for July 11. The court will delve into the intricacies of the case and analyse the arguments put forth by both parties involved. Until then, stakeholders eagerly await the resolution of this contentious issue concerning the distribution of house sites and the construction of houses in the R-5 zone.

 

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