HC orders issue of notice to authorities on flood compensation

The Madras High Court today ordered issue of notices to Tamil Nadu Home Secretary, Chennai Corporation Commissioner and Superintendent of Storm Water and Canals on a petition by social activist "Traffic" Ramaswamy seeking a direction for compensation to his son-in-law, whose vehicles were damaged in the recent floods.
While rejecting the objection raised by Special Government Pleader R Rajeswaran regarding the locus standi of Ramaswamy to file the petition, Justice T S Sivagnanam in his order said, "in the instant case, the petitioner is the father-in-law of the aggrieved person. Therefore the objection rose with regard to the petitioner's locus standi to file the present writ petition stands rejected."

Ramaswamy submitted that the Chennai Corporation had laid road on the water canals, particularly in Thyagaraya Nagar, which leads to Teynampet which has resulted in the flooding and damaging the vehicles of his son-in-law.
He claimed a total loss Rs 4,36,700 including for damages to the car and two wheeler of his son-in-law.
He contended that he had given a representation to the authorities on December 26 last year but no action was taken.
"The grievance of the petitioner is that a canal which was running in the backside of his property has been closed and authorities had laid road which has resulted in flooding. The question is as to whether the state can be held liable to compensate the petitioner's family for the loss suffered by them", the said and posted the matter for further hearing to February 12.