Theatre licence for mall illegal: KJ Jacob
The Opposition asked the mayor to include its dissent note in the council meeting minutes in this regard
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-10-02 06:01 GMT
Kochi: The Opposition councillors on Thursday crossed swords with Mayor Tony Chammany for issuing temporary theatre licence to the Central Square Mall on MG Road without clearance from the fire and rescue department.
At the council meeting, CPM leader K.J. Jacob alleged that issuing cinematograph licence to the mall was in violation of the Municipal Act/ National Building Code and added that the mayor had twisted the High Court order in favour of the mall owner.
“Without having an NOC from the fire and rescue department, permitting theatre licence to the mall which has a height of over 30 metres involves high risk and the mayor and corporation secretary should be made responsible for possible casualties. This should be made clear in the film tickets,” demanded Mr Jacob.
CPM councillor M. Anil Kumar said the court had permitted the corporation to use its discretion for issuing the licence. The Opposition asked the mayor to include its dissent note in the council meeting minutes in this regard.
Refuting the allegations, Mr. Chammany said that provisional cinematograph licence was issued as per the High Court order and added that if they wished, the Opposition councillors could implead in the case.