Telangana HC stays demolition of Nagarjuna's N-Convention Center
What's the story
The Telangana High Court has issued a stay order on the demolition of the N-Convention Center, owned by actor Nagarjuna, reported Hindustan Times.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) razed part of the structure earlier on Saturday due to alleged encroachment.
However, following an appeal from the actor, Justice T Vinod Kumar conducted an inquiry and subsequently halted further destruction of the property.
Actor's response
Actor condemned 'unlawful' demolition of N-Convention Center
Earlier on Saturday, the actor expressed his distress over the "unlawful manner of demolition" of his property, stating it was in violation of existing court orders.
He clarified that the convention center is situated on 'patta land' and has not encroached upon any nearby water bodies.
The actor further stated that a stay order had already been granted against any prior illegal notice for demolition, implying today's actions were based on "misinformation."
Legal stance
No prior notice given for demolition, claimed Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna wrote, "I thought it fit to issue this statement to place on record certain facts for protecting my reputation and to indicate that we have not done any actions in violation of law."
"As a law-abiding citizen, if the Court before which the matter is pending, had decided against me, I would have carried out the demolition myself. I am placing this on record for the purpose of correcting any public misimpression about wrongful constructions or encroachment by us."
Controversy details
Demolition due to alleged encroachment on lake's FTL
HYDRAA had demolished most of the N-Convention Center by 11am today, citing its location within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Tummidikunta Lake as the reason.
This has allegedly caused frequent flooding in nearby areas.
The center, which spans 10 acres and includes a main hall that can accommodate 3,000 people, has been at the center of controversy for years over these allegations.
The N-Convention Center is managed by N3 Enterprises and co-owned by the actor, and Nalla Preetham.