HC appoints Advocate Commissioner to visit Coutrallam falls

The Madras High Court, not satisfiedwith the Government's claim about facilities made for touristsvisiting the Coutrallam waterfall during the ongoing season,today appointed an Advocate Commissioner to find if facilities had actually been provided, and file a report on May 24.
A Division Bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice S Vaidhyanathan of Madurai Bench of the HC directed the Advocate Commissioner to find out the problems faced by the tourists and arrangements made such as parking facilities, basic amenities, among others.
The Bench was giving the direction on a PIL filed by Krishnaswamy, an advocate, who sought ban on toll collection, parking fee and provision of basic amenities, among others.

Petitioner's counsel Veerakathiravan alleged that the photos filed by the government on arrangements at the falls were "false". He produced his own photographs to show that no barricade had been provided at the falls and it was very unsafe to take bath.
He said an exorbitant parking fee of Rs 50 was being charged without actually providing any parking space. The women were feeling unsafe and insecure and there was no place for changing dress. Even toilet facilities had not been provided, it was submitted.
The judges wanted to know why adequate police had not been deployed during the season to maintain law and order. They asked the SP also to file a report about deployment of police in the town during the tourist season.

The case has been posted for hearing on Saturday.