HC directs Centre, TN govt to file counter on PIL

The Madras High Court today directed the Centre and the state government to file a counter on a PIL which alleged that the Coimbatore division of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board had illegally built 950 flats in a prohibited area.
A Division Bench comprising justices T S Sivagnanam and K Ravichandrabaabu posted the matter for further hearing to June 6.
Petitioner Vishwanath Swami of Bengaluru alleged that the Coimbatore division of TNSCB had illegally built 950 flats in the prohibited area measuring 35,480 sqm. He further said the multi-storied flats had been built at Sundakamuthur, which was governed by Tamil Nadu Hill Area Conservation Authority.

He alleged that the board failed to secure permission from HACA. It had also constructed multi-storied buildings at Madukkarai which was notified as 'planning area' under Directorate of Town and Country Planning. These buildings were not approved by DTCP. The board was also planning a similar project in the same village.
He alleged that the projects were not cleared by the environment department and the board had 'brazenly violated' several acts like the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, besides also failing to get clearance from authorities.
As such, the court could issue orders to the Coimbatore District Collector of Coimbatore to demolish the unauthorised structures, the petitioner said.