HC fumes over corruption in city corporation; seeks report

The Madras High Court made strong observations today over 'rampant' corruption in the city corporation and said people were unable to get any document without bribing officials.

Making the observations in an interim order on a petition seeking removal of an encroachment, Justice S M Subramaniam also slammed officials for their inaction to stop violations and sought a report on action taken so far in such cases.

"In every transaction in the corporation, people are absolutely frustrated and the corrupt activities of the officials are rampant. People are unable to get necessary approvals, certificates and documents from the corporation without paying bribe," the judge said.

He made the remarks during the hearing when Corporation Commissioner D Karthikeyan was present in the court, complying with an earlier order.

The judge refused to accept the submission of Additional Advocate General Manishankar, who appeared on behalf of the commissioner, that the civic body was initiating all steps to eradicate irregularities and illegalities in respect of the constructions and other related offences.

He noted that the action initiated so far was not found satisfactory and people residing in the corporation limits were totally frustrated with the "inaction of the corporation officials to control and minimise illegal building constructions and large scale violations in constructions."