Official sources said the demolition order was served to the owner last night by the Puducherry Planning Authority.
They said the cracks betrayed the building's unsafe nature and that there was deviation from the approved plan.
Residents nearby had yesterday noticed cement plastering on one pillar in the car parking zone of the building, with nine dwelling units, peeling off and informed police and planning authority officials.
Planning officials said a full-fledged inquiry would be conducted to evaluate all aspects of the structural design and also the safety of the structure.
None of the nine dwelling units in the building were occupied.
