Municipal authorities in Hyderabad took possession of a residential house that belonged to the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa, due to unpaid property taxes. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials sealed the G+4 structure located in Srinagar colony under circle 38 in Yousufguda area. The property, registered in Jayalalithaa’s name, bears the house number 8-3-1099/A.
The GHMC’s action was prompted by property tax arrears exceeding Rs. 82 lakh, which had been accumulating since 2017. Notices were issued by Deputy Commissioner Suresh to individuals associated with the property last month, but as there was no response, the house was sealed by GHMC officials.
After considering rebates under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, the outstanding tax arrears amount to Rs. 82,91,822. However, with the OTS validity expiring on March 31, the arrears are expected to rise further. The property was categorized as commercial due to its use as a private office, resulting in higher tax liability.
Jayalalitha’s nephew, Deepak Jayakumar, requested the GHMC to reclassify the property from commercial to residential, stating that it had been used for residential purposes since 2017. Despite the request, the property was sealed by municipal officials due to unpaid dues.
Reportedly purchased by Jayalalithaa in 1967 for Rs. 50,000, the market value of the property in 2015 was estimated at Rs. 5 crore. Known for her connection to Hyderabad since her acting days, the late Chief Minister had various properties in the city, including a house in Secunderabad and a farmhouse in Medchal on the outskirts.
