Telangana High Court Orders Report on Commercial Stalls Under Hyderabad Metro Stations

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Telangana High Court questioned the legality of permitting commercial stalls on pedestrian pathways beneath metro stations in Hyderabad. Justice NV Shravan Kumar observed that public spaces earmarked for pedestrians cannot be allowed to be occupied in a manner that obstructs the smooth movement of citizens.

The High Court issued these observations during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Bannela Akhil. The petition challenged the leasing and commercial utilization of footpath areas situated directly beneath various metro stations across the city.

During the court proceedings, Advocate Vijay Gopal, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, submitted that several commercial stalls had been established in areas specifically designated for pedestrian movement. Gopal informed the court that complaints had been formally submitted to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), but no effective action had been taken by the municipal authorities.

Furthermore, the petitioner contended that municipal enforcement has been inconsistent. The petitioner argued that while the GHMC has been undertaking stringent enforcement measures against ordinary street vendors across Hyderabad, it has remained indifferent to the commercial stalls functioning beneath the metro stations. According to the petitioner, this selective enforcement raises serious concerns regarding the protection of public pathways meant exclusively for pedestrians.

Taking note of these submissions, Justice NV Shravan Kumar questioned under what legal authority footpath spaces intended for pedestrians could be leased out or rented for commercial operations. The court observed that permitting commercial activities in pedestrian zones inevitably hinders public movement and defeats the purpose for which those spaces were originally created.

Consequently, the High Court directed the concerned authorities to place on record the details of any action taken on the petitioner’s complaints. The court ordered both the GHMC and the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) to submit a comprehensive report detailing the permissions, if any, granted for these commercial activities, as well as the steps taken so far regarding the stalls operating beneath the metro stations.

The High Court has scheduled the matter for a follow-up hearing on June 17.