HC directs de-freezing of bank accounts of TNCA, MCC

The Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the Madras Cricket Club (PCC) to set aside Rs 16.30 crore and Rs 2.06 crore in fixed deposits with regard to a dispute on rental arrears demanded by the revenue department, and directed de- freezing of their bank accounts.
Passing an interim order on petitions by the TNCA and the MCC, Justice K Ravichandrabaabu directed them not to withdraw the fixed deposits without the permission of the court.
The petitioners challenged the notices issued by the Mylapore-Triplicane Tahsildar, demanding rent arrears of Rs 1,553 crore and over Rs 150 crore, respectively, from the year 2001, for land on which M A Chidambaram Cricket Stadium and MCC are situated in Chepauk.

The judge said that in view of the petitioners making the fixed deposits, their bank accounts frozen by the authorities should be released forthwith.
He also recorded the Advocate General's undertaking that in view of the present interim order granted by the court, the authorities would not take any coercive steps against the petitioners to enforce the impugned order.
The judge also made it clear that the pendency of these petitions and granting of interim relief shall not stand in the way or be a bar for the parties to go for negotiations to arrive at a viable settlement, in the meantime, if possible.

The judge posted the matter for further hearing after six weeks.
The revenue department had from 2001 increased manifold the rent for land leased to various bodies.
The two bodies had challenged the rental arrears demand by the revenue authorities, contending that it was an exorbitant increase and don't have the means to pay it.