HC takes serious view of encroachments, directs TN Govt to file govt

Taking a serious view of encroachments and illegal constructions, the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to file a report on the issue while suggesting it to appoint honest, efficient persons with integrity to deal with pending cases.

A bench comprising justices S Vaidyanathan and Krishnan Ramasamy said appropriate disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against officials in case of non-inspection of sites.

"In the event of non-inspection of site by officials, appropriate disciplinary proceedings for major misconduct shall be initiated against them for not maintaining absolute integrity and devotion to duty, which is unbecoming of a member of the service and such irresponsible officials should be dismissed from service," the bench said.

The bench passed the interim order on a petition from Mehraj Begum challenging a stop work notice issued by the city Corporation with regard to unauthorised constructions.

The bench referred to the appointment of officials for the disposal of appeals filed in connection with regularisation of buildings.

It said, "We are of the view that appointment of only one person is not sufficient to give quietus to this matter, as he cannot be over-burdened and cannot be expected to hear appeals apart from doing his day to-day administrative work."