THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.13753 of 2007 ORDER: The petitioners claim to be the owners of premises abutting Jawahar Road, Jagtial Town. It is stated that the road is proposed to be widened to 100 feet. The grievance of the petitioners is that the respondents are proposing to demolish the building owned by them without acquiring it or without paying compensation. Jagtial Municipality filed a counter-affidavit. It is stated that the Municipal Council has resolved in the year 2004 to widen the road by removing the encroachments. It is also stated that the National Highway Authorities have also initiated steps to widen the road passing through Jagtial Municipality to a four-lane road with drains and dividers. According to it, only such of the land, left as set back, while according permission to the owners of the buildings, would be utilised and as regards others, steps would be taken in accordance with law. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned counsel for the respondents. The apprehension of the petitioners that the respondents are proposing to widen the road has proved to be correct. Not only there exists a resolution of the Municipal Council, but also a proposal from the National Highway Authority. However, in all fairness, the Municipality stated that it would first takeover such part of the land which is left as set back for road widening while according permission to the owners of the individual buildings. In case any other property is needed, that can be taken only by initiating proceedings in accordance with law. Hence, the writ petition is disposed of, directing that the respondents shall not demolish the building owned by the petitioners or utilise the same for the purpose of widening of the road, except by initiating proceedings in accordance with law. It is, however, made clear that if any land in front of the building has been left for the purpose of widening of the road under any permission accorded by the Municipality, it shall be open to them to lay the road upon such land. There shall be no order as to costs. ______________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J Dt.10.03.2011. kdl