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The Madras High Court criticised the Greater Chennai Corporation for failing to enforce sealing orders against unauthorised buildings promptly. The bench remarked that the civic body acted with negligence and indolence by allowing occupants to pursue alternate legal remedies instead of carrying out directives. Following contempt proceedings, officials issued an apology, which the court accepted after the property in Virugambakkam was finally sealed.
The Madras High Court has expressed sharp disapproval of the Greater Chennai Corporation's delay in executing lock-and-seal orders against unauthorised constructions. Judges observed that the corporation failed in its responsibility and showed an indifferent approach, permitting occupants to seek legal options rather than adhering to judicial directives. Advertisement
The matter is related to a disputed property in Virugambakkam. When the case was heard earlier this year, the court noted that a similar writ petition from the previous year had already been neglected. Despite being granted a four-week extension, the civic body postponed action until mid-August, with little progress made by then.
As a result of continued non-compliance, the court initiated suo motu contempt proceedings and directed officials to appear in person. The commissioner informed the court that a private bank occupying the premises had opposed the eviction, which contributed to the delay.
Although the officials were found guilty of deliberate non-compliance, their apology was accepted once the building had been sealed in the past week, bringing the matter to closure.
The court's firm stance signals that further delays in implementing sealing directives may attract more stringent action, pressing authorities to demonstrate greater diligence in similar matters going forward.
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