Hyderabad, Dec. 12 -- The Telangana High Court on Thursday, December 11, imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the state government for failing to submit a counter affidavit in a case concerning the alleged violation of GO 111, which prohibits construction activity in the catchment areas of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar lakes.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparna Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin heard the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Mandadi Madhav Reddy of Moinabad mandal, Rangareddy district.

Petitioner's arguments

The petitioner complained that despite the GO's restrictions, unauthorised constructions, including function halls, were springing up within the designated eco-conservation zones, while the government and local a...