Building collapse: HC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of

Madras High Court today dismissed anticipatory bail plea of an architect, who was associated in the preparation of plan of the building which collapsed at Porur near here in which 61 people died last month.
Dismissing the anticipatory bail application filed by Suganya, Justice P Devadass said "in this case the petitioner is alleged to be involved in the preparation of the building which collapsed. The investigation into the incident is at nascent stage and still going on. In such circumstances it is not a fit case for anticipatory bail".
Suganya, a registered architect, is an employee of Dhrishticone Architectural Communications Pvt.Ltd, which had designed the plan for the building.

Police had filed an FIR on the incident in which the name of Suganya was also mentioned. Apprehending arrest, Suganya moved the High Court for anticipatory bail.
She submitted that as an architect, it was not she who decides various things, including the depth of the foundation of the building, soil test for its stability, thickness of pillars, composition of the concrete, thickness and strength of iron rods.
All these are decided by structural engineers and civil engineers engaged in the construction of the building.

Suganya contented that she was only an employee of the company. Except co-designing and signing the plan, she had no role in the actual construction of the building.

She said she was ready to appear before police and fully cooperate in the investigation and there was no necessity to arrest her.
The judge said Suganya has participated in the preparation of plan and signed it. Necessarily it has to be approved by the CMDA officials. It is to be proved by them how far they have contributed for the collapse of the building. It is for the prosecution to go into the investigation and collect evidence.
"Since serious allegations have been made, it is not a fit case to grant anticipatory bail, the judge said.
Police have already registered a case and arrested six persons in connection with the June 28th incident.