Property tax: Hyderabad Issues: J. Jayalalithaa’s House Sealed Over Dues
A house belonging to the late J. Jayalalithaa has been sealed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) due to unpaid property tax dues that have accumulated since 2017. The total property tax dues initially reached a staggering ₹1.6 crore before any waivers were applied.
After the waivers, the amount due was reduced to approximately ₹83 lakh. Despite the reduction, the outstanding dues currently stand at ₹82.91 lakh after rebates under the One-Time Settlement scheme, which offers a 90% waiver on accumulated interest for property tax arrears.
The property, categorized as ‘Commercial’, has been rented out by businessman Vijay Mallya. It remains registered under Jayalalithaa’s name in the GHMC records, and her heirs were officially declared in May 2020 by the Madras High Court, following her passing without a will.
In an effort to recover the dues, the GHMC issued a ‘Red Notice’ due to the non-payment. The property will remain under GHMC custody until the outstanding dues are cleared, and no payments have been made despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue.
Observers note that the situation highlights ongoing challenges with property tax compliance in Hyderabad, particularly concerning high-profile properties. The GHMC’s actions reflect a broader commitment to enforcing tax regulations, even in cases involving notable figures.
As the community watches closely, the resolution of this matter remains uncertain, with details still unconfirmed regarding any potential payments or further legal actions that may arise.
