An interested party who initiates a complaint regarding unauthorized construction is entitled to notice and an opportunity for a personal hearing during the subsequent enquiry to ensure the principles of natural justice are upheld.

ORDER : (ORAL)

Heard Mr. N. Manik Rao, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Srinivas Rao Pachwa, learned standing counsel for Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC), appearing for respondent Nos.2 and 3.

2. Learned standing counsel for MMC submitted that writ petition is premature. There are no merits in the writ petition. On the complaint of the petitioner, show-cause notice dated 23.07.2026 was issued to respondent No.4 regarding unauthorized construction made in the property bearing H.No.3-4-20 situated at Narasimha Nagar Colony, Mallapur, Nacharam Circle, fixing the date of hearing as 07.08.2026 and respondent No.4 was granted fifteen (15) days time to submit reply to the show-cause notice. Hearing was not commenced pursuant to show-cause notice and writ petition is liable to be dismissed.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that show-cause notice was issued to respondent No.4 but not to the petitioner who is party interested. Notice ought to have been issued to the petitioner, as otherwise there is every possibility of order being passed by respondent No.3 without properly understanding the grievance of the petitioner.

4. In reply, learned standing counsel submitted that after receipt of reply to the show-cause notice from respondent No.4, date of hearing will be fixed and petitioner will be given notice to participate in the hearing.

5. In the light of above submissions, writ petition is disposed of, directing respondent No.3 to issue to notice to the petitioner during the hearing conducted pursuant to the show-cause notice vide Notice No.94/UC/2026 dated 23.07.2026. The enquiry pursuant to the show-cause notice dated 23.07.2026 shall be concluded as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, by affording opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner, respondent No.4 and all other concerned/interested persons.

6. As this order is passed without entering into the merits, notice to respondent No.4 is dispensed with. If respondent No.4 is in any way aggrieved by this order, he is at liberty to approach this Court seeking modification of this order. No order as to costs.

As a sequel thereto, miscellaneous applications, if any, pending in the writ petition stand closed.