HC orders notice on PIL against TNHB flats construction

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court today ordered a notice to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption officials on a PIL seeking to investigate construction of 104 flats here at a cost of Rs 10 crore allegedly without approval from the Town and Country Planning authority.
A division bench, comprising Justice S.Tamilvanan and Justice V.S.Ravi, ordered notice to the officials, including Managing Director of the TNHB and Director of DVAC, on a petition filed by a PIL litigant, seeking their response within two weeks.
The petitioner submitted that the building was being constructed at Madakulam in a disputed site over which a case by owners was pending in the courts.

In response to an RTI query, planning authorities stated that the Madurai Corporation had not given approval for the construction of the building. In fact, the contract had been awarded even without applying for necessary permission.
The MD of the TNHB and the contractors were conspiring to complete the construction speedily. "Such an action is breach of trust and also misappropriation of funds," he contended.
He had given a complaint on February 11 to initiate action against the officials. But the DVAC Director and the DSP had forwarded the respresentation to the Chief Secretary for approval to file a case and investigate.

He said no permission was required to inquire into a complaint and they should have completed the preliminary investigation in 15 days.
Hence the court should direct the DVAC officials to investigate the allegation under Prevention of Corruption Act and take suitable action, petitioner said.