HC defers orders on DMK PIL on Moulivakkam building

Noting the pendency of a revision petition in a related matter, Madras High Court today deferred orders on pleas by DMK for a CBI probe into the collapse of an under-construction building at Moulivakkam here last year that left 61 people dead and demolition of the project's second block.
When the two petitions came up for hearing, first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana asked all parties to assist the single judge before whom the revision petition by the construction company was scheduled to come up for hearing on November 23.
The single judge had stayed a notice by Kancheepuram District Collector directing the company to demolish the second block.

Initially, DMK Treasurer MK Stalin filed a PIL seeking a CBI inquiry into the collapse of the under-construction 11-storey residential apartment on June 28 last year in Moulivakkam area here.
Later, another petition was filed by DMK stating that a second block of the project was also in a precarious condition and sought its demolition.
In the meantime, the Kancheepuram Collector issued notice to the constructors under Section 133 of CrPC to demolish the other block.

This was challenged by the construction company by way of a Criminal Revision petition before the Single Judge who granted a stay on the notice citing the pendency of writ petitions before the first bench.

When the matter came up today, the bench in its order cited the assurance given by the owner that there was no danger from the building and he would assume full responsibility qua the sturdiness of the building and any consequences which may arise if the position is to the contrary.
Advocate General AL Somayaji submitted that because of ongoing rainy season there was every possibility of collapse of the other block.
The bench adjourned the matter to December 10.