'Resign and go' if unable to follow rule: Madras HC to officials

Lambasting the Tamil Nadu government for allowing constructions around temples in the state in violation of rules, the Madras High Court today asked officials to 'resign and go' if they are unable to follow them.
"When the officials responsible to implement the rules are unable to do it, let them go. If they are unable to follow the directions let them resign and go," Justice N Kirubakaran observed.
The judge stated this after perusing the report of the court-appointed advocate commissioner in 2013, pertaining to illegal constructions in around the famous Meenakshi temple at Madurai and Sri Ranganatha Swami temple at Srirangam.

Justice Kirubakaran heard the proceedings through video conference by sitting in the division bench with Justice R Tharani at the Madurai Bench.
The matter relates to a PIL in the Madurai bench, seeking a direction to constitute a state-level committee, including archeological department officers, to monitor the security and safety arrangements, renovation and maintenance of Meenakshi temple and other Hindu temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department.
Justice Kirubakaran made the observation when the advocate commissioner brought to the notice of the bench that officials concerned had not taken any action on violations despite being informed of it.

The advocate commissioner submitted that the rule states there should not be any construction within nine metres of the compound wall of the temple. However, inspections showed that 546 buildings were built in violation of the rules, he said.

The judge then orally directed that there cannot be any building violating the rule and that the Madurai Corporation Commissioner or any other authority should not give approval in violation of the rule.
He noted that in spite of the violations being brought to the notice of the authorities, they were 'mercilessly' giving approval for high rise buildings.
The judge then directed the Madurai Corporation to find out all those who have violated the rule and file a report within two weeks.