HC appoints two member panel to inspect Anna Library tomorrow

Madras High Court today appointed a two-member committee to inspect the Anna Centenary Library, built by the previous DMK Regime at Kotturpuram near here, tomorrow and file a report by August 24.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice T S Sivgnanam, appointed P T Asha and P Sunder as advocate commissioners to inspect the library and file the report.
One S T Manonmain had filed a petition seeking a direction from the court to appoint a oversight committee under the chairmanship of a retired Madras High Court judge to ensure that the library functions normally.
The Bench in its order said: "We find undoubtedly the library is supposed to be one of the best and of international standards. We are not commenting on whether it has been permitted to deteriorate deliberately or otherwise as alleged by the petitioner or whether it is maintained in the same condition as submitted by Advocate General A L Somayaji."

"We would like to have an impartial inspection of the library as the situation prevalent earlier when it was inaugurated is available from the number of photographs which are already before us. The course of action to our mind does not prejudice either of the parties, but is with the objective of assisting the court," the bench said, appointing the two-member advocate committee.
The petitioner cited orders passed by the court in various petitions filed in this regard, directing that the library should function as it is.

In his plea, he alleged that despite the orders, government "has taken all steps to cripple the library" and prevented public from using the Library for its intended purpose.

Rare books that were not available in any other libraries were removed from the library, the petitioner alleged.
The bench also permitted the advocates on either side to be present at the time of inspection.
The bench, while recording the name of Advocate Neelakantan to be present on the petitioner's side, directed the Advocate General to appoint a counsel representing the government during the inspection.