What Is Section 635 Of Ghmc Act 1955 [top] -
| | Action Under Section 635 | |-------------------|------------------------------| | Unauthorized construction (extra floor, deviation from plan) | Stop-work notice + daily fine of ₹500–₹1,000 until demolition or regularization | | Dumping construction debris on road | Immediate fine of ₹5,000 + ₹500 per day debris remains | | Operating a commercial unit in residential area without trade license | Fine + sealing of premises | | Failure to install rainwater harvesting structure | Notice + fine + direction to install within 7 days | | Cutting trees without permission | Fine per tree + compensatory afforestation cost | Section 635 vs. Other Penalty Provisions It is important to distinguish Section 635 from other penal sections in the GHMC Act:
Introduction The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act, 1955 is the primary legislation governing the civic administration of Hyderabad, one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities. Enacted by the Telangana State Legislature (formerly part of Andhra Pradesh), this Act covers everything from property taxes and building approvals to solid waste management and public health.
| | Act | Equivalent Section | Penalty | |----------|---------|------------------------|--------------| | Mumbai | MRTP Act, 1966 | Section 55 | Fine up to ₹2,000 + daily fine | | Delhi | DMC Act, 1957 | Section 461 | Fine up to ₹5,000 + ₹500/day | | Bengaluru | KMC Act, 1976 | Section 462 | Fine up to ₹2,000 + ₹500/day | | Hyderabad (GHMC) | GHMC Act, 1955 | Section 635 | Fine up to ₹5,000 + up to ₹1,000/day (amended) | what is section 635 of ghmc act 1955
For residents and builders, the message is simple: Ignorance of the GHMC Act is no excuse. A seemingly minor violation—like not displaying your sanctioned plan on site—can attract fines that multiply daily. On the other hand, understanding Section 635 allows you to challenge unlawful notices, seek compounding for genuine mistakes, and avoid the nightmare of retrospective penalties.
No. Section 635 only covers fines. Demolition requires separate proceedings under Sections 452–456 of the GHMC Act. However, GHMC often issues both simultaneously. | | Act | Equivalent Section | Penalty
This article provides a complete, plain-English breakdown of Section 635, its penalties, legal interpretations, and practical implications. While the official legal language is dense, the essence of Section 635 can be summarized as follows:
Originally, it was not capped. However, recent GHMC circulars limit the maximum cumulative fine to 5 times the base penalty (i.e., ₹25,000) for continuing offenses, except in cases of deliberate fraud. 000) for continuing offenses
Over the years, through amendments, the maximum fine has been raised substantially—currently up to plus ₹500 per day for continuing violations. However, for more serious offenses like illegal constructions violating building by-laws, courts and municipal authorities have the discretion to impose higher penalties under related sections read with Section 635. Historical Context: Why Was Section 635 Introduced? When the GHMC Act was enacted in 1955, Hyderabad was a much smaller city with limited infrastructure. The municipal corporation needed a legal mechanism to ensure compliance without resorting to lengthy civil suits for every minor violation.
