What Is Section 635 Of Ghmc Act 1955 //free\\ Jun 2026
: The municipal database remains accurate for governance and urban planning. Indian Kanoon Your Obligations Under Section 635
, is titled "Power of Commissioner to call for information as to ownership of premises" .
The application of this section frequently intersects with civil litigation in the Telangana High Court. Property owners often file writ petitions when they believe the GHMC is misusing its power to clear a path for swift demolitions without due process. what is section 635 of ghmc act 1955
But what exactly does this section say? Who does it affect? And why is it crucial for property owners, builders, and residents of Hyderabad?
: The process begins when a GHMC official, often an Assistant City Planner, identifies a potential violation. A formal notice is then issued to the property owner or occupier. This notice is a detailed document that includes: : The municipal database remains accurate for governance
Under the pressure of Section 635, Arjun confessed: the "owner" had passed away decades ago in a distant land, leaving no heirs. Arjun had been living in the attic, paying the electricity bills with his meager savings just to keep his home, hoping the "Gilded Gate" would remain invisible to the tax collectors. Because the Commissioner used Section 635 to demand the truth, the mystery was solved. The GHMC finally had the facts needed to process the estate, and in a rare moment of bureaucratic mercy, they helped Arjun apply for a regularized tenancy, ensuring the "Gilded Gate" remained standing—and finally accounted for.
: The recipient does not have indefinite time to comply. The Commissioner sets a firm deadline directly in the written notice. Property owners often file writ petitions when they
For property owners and developers, complying with the provisions of Section 635 and the broader framework of the GHMC Act 1955 is not merely a legal formality but an essential safeguard against serious legal and financial consequences. The key takeaways are:
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act, 1955 is the primary legislation that governs the administration, urban planning, and regulatory functions of the municipal corporation overseeing Hyderabad and its surrounding areas. Among its several hundred provisions, Section 635 occupies a crucial position as the legal mechanism for addressing violations related to building regulations and unauthorized construction. Understanding this provision is essential for property owners, developers, and residents alike, as it outlines the powers, procedures, and consequences related to non-compliance with municipal building laws.
The enforcement of Section 635 is subject to judicial review. Indian courts have consistently emphasized that the GHMC must follow the due process of law and cannot act arbitrarily. For instance, the Telangana High Court has intervened in cases where it found that a demolition notice was issued without proper consideration of the owner's explanation, deeming it a "reduced to an empty formality". The courts have also directed the GHMC to issue at least two notices to violators, providing them with reasonable opportunities to rectify the situation before any coercive action is taken.
🎯 : Failing to comply with a Section 635 notice can lead to further legal complications, as providing "true information" is a mandatory legal obligation under the Act.