Unauthorised constructions: HC for stern action against

The Madras High Court today ordered the Chennai Corporation Commissioner to take stringent action against officials who connive with those involved in unauthorised constructions.
A bench of Chief Justice S K Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan gave the direction when Commissioner D Karthikeyan appeared before it and filed a report, complying with an earlier order in a contempt plea against a city resident charged with illegal construction of a building.
"We say so, as despite, mammoth amount of unauthorised constructions, we are informed that not a single person has suffered the punishment of dismissal from service or even compulsory retirement at least for the last five years," the bench said.

It was hearing two contempt petitions against Devaraji, who had made the illegal construction in Neelangari here. While one contempt petition was filed by his neighbours, the other one was the suo-motu taken up by the court.
When the contemnor informed the court that he had initiated the work of demolition of the illegal portion on the third floor and sought a week time to complete the work, the Bench directed the Commissioner to verify it.
The court said delinquent officers shall be brought to book not by mere censure or stoppage of increment, but by more severe consequences like compulsory retirement and dismissal from service.

The Commissioner shall not be disturbed or interfered with by persons who have nothing to do with his job and that he should be able to do his task without fear or favour, it said adding the court would provide necessary protection in this regard.
The bench the posted the matter to September 30.