Kochi: After long years of legal battle and uncertainties, the Kochi Corporation has taken steps to attach the Kokkers theatre and the 65 cents of land owned by it in Fort Kochi. In an early morning move, the corporation authorities consisting of Mayor Soumini Jain, standing committee chairman A.B. Sabu, opposition leader K.J Antony, corporation additional secretary A.S. Anuja and other officials sealed the building with police support. The attachment of the theatre and the land is a major achievement as the previous council had failed to act on the contentious issue.
The opposition CPM had earlier announced a hunger strike against the delay in attaching it. The corporation had allocated funds for the purpose and announced a new film city project to be executed with the support of the State Film Development Corporation. Meanwhile, the action dominated Wednesday’s corporation council meeting. The councillors alleged that they were kept in the dark over the “surgical strike” and even the members from west Kochi areas were not informed. While the opposition members said the Mayor acted under their pressure, the ruling councillors praised the Mayor’s determined and committed approach.
In 2008, the civic body had sealed the theatre but had to open it after six days following legal advice. The corporation failed in five cases of the total six suits regarding the acquisition of the property. Earlier, the Supreme Court had ordered the corporation to take over the land by paying Rs 63 lakh to the theatre owners. Since the theatre owners owe the corporation Rs 33 lakh as lease amount, the local body has to pay only the balance amount.
