The Telangana High Court on 08.09.2020 asked the State why a new building to house the OGH cannot be constructed in the 15 acres of open land as per the site plan, without touching the heritage structure (old, dilapidated building). It questioned why the State government took up construction in the remaining part of the building because the need of the hour is better medical facilities to be catered for the people, engulfed by the pandemic.
Prayer of the Petitioner
The petitioners prayed to the Court for a direction to the State government against the impugned order. The order was to construct a new multistoried building to house the OGH. The direction was also to demolish the old, dilapidated structure.
Submission of the Respondent
Advocate General Banda Shivananda Prasad submitted from the State Government. He stated that the State government was instead planning to construct a spacious multistoried building. There would be all facilities in the building. For this, there is a requirement for more space. A hospital of such stature cannot be constructed on the remaining bare land of OGH.
Site Plan
The Executive Engineer of R&B Department submitted the Site Plan. It was authenticated by the Superintendent, Osmania General Hospital (OGH). The Bench took on record the Site Plan.
Observations of the Court
Chief Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan headed the High Court Division Bench. Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy was also a part of the Bench.
The Court observed what the Nizams has created as OGH still exists today on the ground. Along with this existed the remaining open land. However, the State government is not contemplating to construct a new building on that ground.
Further, the Court observed that a new multistoried building is being constructed. It is being built just beside the old, dilapidated heritage structure. Chief Justice observed that the new building would not be properly built. The Court deemed that it will not be sensible if the State Government goes ahead with the construction and that the new building will be unworthy.
Court’s Order
Chief Justice Chauhan directed the AG, BS Prasad to furnish the Site Map and Google Map of OGH. This was so that the petitioners would have a clear idea as to which part of the building is a heritage structure.
The Court adjourned the matter to September 24.
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