Show cause as to why no action taken: Madras high court to corporation commissioner

Chennai: The Madras high court has directed the commissioner of Chennai corporation to remain present in the court on Wednesday and showcause as to why action has not been taken against the illegally constructed multi-storied building at Vadapalani, where fire accident took place and four persons died last year.

 A division bench comprising Justices Vineet Kothari and Anita Sumanth gave the directive on a PIL filed by social activist Traffic Ramaswamy, which sought a direction to the state government to take action against the officials who allegedly failed to take action against the illegal construction of the multi-storied building, which resulted in the fire accident.

When the case came up for hearing on Tuesday, advocate S.Ganesan, appearing for Ramaswamy submitted that the multi-storied building was constructed in violation of the Rules and Regulations. Originally, the building had been locked and sealed but subsequently, allegedly in collusion with the officials, it was de-sealed and the owner of the building, rented out the building to third parties. While so, on May 7, 2017, a fire accident happened and four persons died. The government paid Rs 1 lakh to each of the families of the deceased. 

The petitioner sent a representation to the authorities to take action against the officials who were responsible for such violations. But, till date there was no response, he added.

The counsel for Chennai corporation submitted that the corporation had filed a report before this court pointing out that action had been initiated against some officials and the building owner was asked to pay the demolition charges.

When the bench asked as to whether the building was demolished or not, the counsel for Chennai corporation sought time to get instruction.

Pointing out that the report was filed in June 2017, the bench directed the commissioner of Chennai corporation to be present in the court on November 28 and answer as to whether the inquiry against the officials was completed or not, if completed what action was taken against them, whether the portions where violations took place were demolished or not and if not, assign reasons for the same and whether compensation has been paid to the families of the deceased.