Hyderabad: GHMC delimitation case will come up for hearing on April 30 as the Telangana High Court flagged repeated delays by the State.
The petition challenges the ward delimitation exercise for Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections. Advocate Muzaffer Ullah Khan filed the petition. Advocate Barkat Ali Khan argued the matter before the court.
During the April 22 hearing, the division bench noted delays in filing the counter-affidavit. Therefore, the court imposed a cost of Rs 5,000. It directed that delayed filings would be accepted only after payment to the Telangana Legal Services Authority. It also gave a final chance to respond.
Barkat Ali Khan told the court that respondent No.5 took contradictory stands. One submission said fresh delimitation could happen only after the 2026 Census. It added that the existing framework under G.O. Ms. No.166 dated November 19, 2015 would continue.
GHMC delimitation case sees court warning over delays
However, another submission cited G.O. Ms. No.266 dated December 8, 2025. It stated that authorities increased elected members from 150 to 300. It also said delimitation had already been completed. He argued that this showed arbitrariness and lack of transparency.
The petitioner also said authorities violated G.O.Ms.No.570 dated November 6, 1996. This order was issued under the Hyderabad Municipal Corporations Act, 1955. He warned that elections might proceed on flawed ward boundaries.
The bench noted that the State failed to file its counter despite multiple chances since September 1, 2025. It had granted adjournments in October and December. It had also given a final 10-day window earlier.
Respondent No.5 filed its response. However, respondent No.6 did not file its counter. The department is responsible for the delimitation exercise.
The Assistant Government Pleader for respondent No.6 sought more time. He said he had recently taken charge of the case. Therefore, the court granted time till April 28. It warned that failure would require the Principal Secretary to appear in person.
Meanwhile, Barkat Ali Khan filed an interlocutory application. He sought complete ward-wise delimitation data. He also requested time to file objections. In addition, he asked the court to restrain authorities from issuing election notification.
The court posted the GHMC delimitation case for April 30. It will review compliance and decide further steps.