GHMC Seals Late Jayalalithaa’s Srinagar Colony Residence for Pending Property Tax

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has intensified its drive to recover long-pending property tax arrears, taking action even against high-profile properties. As part of this crackdown, officials temporarily sealed a residential building in Srinagar Colony that belongs to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

The property, a ground-plus-four-storey structure, has accumulated unpaid property tax dues dating back to 2017. According to GHMC officials, even after offering a 90 percent waiver on interest under existing provisions, approximately ₹82 lakh remains outstanding. Despite multiple notices and direct visits by civic authorities, there had been no response from those managing the property, prompting officials to initiate sealing proceedings.

However, the building was unsealed shortly after caretakers assured authorities that the pending dues would be cleared promptly. Officials restored access to the property on Tuesday following this assurance.

The residence has reportedly remained vacant since Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016. Caretakers had requested a vacancy remission on the tax, citing its unused status, to which GHMC officials responded positively. Authorities also clarified that the property continues to be registered in Jayalalithaa’s name, and ownership transfer will only be processed upon submission of valid legal heir documentation. The matter of inheritance is currently under legal scrutiny.

Interestingly, although the structure was originally designated as a residential property, it had previously been leased to a company linked to businessman Vijay Mallya. This led to its classification under the commercial category for taxation purposes. Officials noted that the company vacated the premises in 2017.

GHMC stated that a clearer status of the property will emerge once the tax dues are fully settled. The incident underscores the civic body’s firm stance on recovering arrears, signaling that even properties owned by prominent personalities are not exempt from enforcement action.