Taj Banjara Sealed for Property Tax Default, Reopened After Partial Payment

Hyderabad’s prestigious Taj Banjara Hotel, located in the upscale Banjara Hills area, was sealed by municipal authorities on Thursday, February 20, 2025, due to non-payment of property tax dues. Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) took action after repeated notices to the hotel’s management failed to elicit a response regarding the outstanding amount.

The property, which is part of a renowned hospitality group, had accumulated unpaid property taxes amounting to Rs. 1.43 crore over the past two years. Despite multiple reminders over the last two months, the dues remained unsettled, prompting authorities to initiate strict measures. Officials from the Revenue Department, along with personnel from the Jubilee Hills Circle, arrived at the hotel premises in the morning and proceeded to seal all three entry points. Notices detailing the tax default were also prominently displayed on the hotel’s doors.

This enforcement action aimed to ensure compliance with municipal tax regulations and recover the pending dues. The sealing of a high-profile establishment like Taj Banjara sent a strong message to commercial establishments regarding the importance of timely tax payments.

Following the intervention, the hotel management responded by making a partial payment towards the outstanding amount. By the morning of Friday, February 21, 2025, a sum of Rs. 55 lakh was remitted as part of the dues. Additionally, the management assured authorities that the remaining amount would be cleared by March 10, 2025.

In light of this payment and the commitment to settle the full amount, the municipal officials removed the seals and reopened the hotel for business. The swift resolution of the matter highlights the significance of compliance with tax regulations while also ensuring that business operations are not unduly disrupted.

The incident underscores the city’s strict approach to tax enforcement, with authorities emphasizing that commercial establishments must adhere to financial obligations in a timely manner. Such actions serve as a deterrent to other defaulters and reinforce the importance of prompt tax payments to support municipal services and infrastructure development in the city.