Section 635 of the GHMC Act, 1955, is not merely a technical clause—it is the GHMC’s primary legal instrument to ensure that Hyderabad grows in a planned, safe, and lawful manner. For citizens, understanding this section is essential to avoid legal trouble, financial loss, or even the heartbreak of seeing your property demolished. When in doubt, always remember: No permission = No construction.
Section 635 of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act, 1955 grants the Municipal Commissioner the specific legal authority to demand information regarding the ownership or occupancy of any property within the city's jurisdiction. The Power to Call for Information
Under this section, the Commissioner can issue a written notice to the owner or occupier of any premises. The primary purpose of this provision is to facilitate administrative and legal processes, such as: Issuing official notices or bills. Serving summons or other legal documents. what is section 635 of ghmc act 1955
Facilitating the collection of property taxes or service charges. Core Provisions of Section 635 The section is divided into two operational mandates:
Written Requirement (Sub-section 1): The Commissioner may require the recipient to state, in writing and within a specified timeframe, the nature of their interest in the property (e.g., whether they are a freeholder, mortgagee, or lessee). They must also provide the names and addresses of any other parties who have an interest in that property, to the best of their knowledge. Section 635 of the GHMC Act, 1955, is
Mandatory Compliance (Sub-section 2): Any person served with such a notice is legally bound to comply and must provide information that is true to the best of their knowledge and belief. Administrative Context
Section 635 falls under the broader procedural chapters of the GHMC Act that deal with licenses, permissions, and the service of notices (Sections 622 to 653). By empowering the Commissioner to identify responsible parties, this section ensures that the Corporation can hold individuals accountable for municipal dues or violations, such as unauthorised works mentioned in nearby sections. Within the structural hierarchy of the GHMC Act, 1955:
Within the structural hierarchy of the GHMC Act, 1955:
The provision belongs to a family of clauses known in Indian municipal law as “savings” or “validation” clauses. Its purpose is not to create new powers but to preserve the legal effect of actions taken under older, now-replaced laws.
Fact: False. Paying the penalty only punishes the violation. You must still obtain proper permission or demolish the illegal portion. GHMC can levy separate penalties under other sections.