Unholy nexus between builders, officials of CMDA: Madras High Court

CHENNAI: The Madras high court has observed that the unholy nexus between builders and officials of CMDA and corporation is writ large. Even after the tragedy like the one at Moulivakkam, officials concerned have not learnt lessons.

Dismissing a review application filed by Varadarajan, a Division bench of Justices Satish K. Agnihotri and K.K. Sasidharan said these illegal structures are a threat to the safety of occupants, besides the public at large. We hope that CMDA and Chennai corporation would wake up from slumber in the near future in larger public interest.”

The petitioner who purchased an unauthorised layout in Gerugambakkam, Sriperumbudur, which is part of an unapproved multi industrial layout, and without waiting for the planning permission, constructed stilt plus four floors with 32 dwelling units.

The bench said “The documents produced by CMDA proved beyond doubt that the applicant, flouting building regulations, constructed stilt plus four floors with 32 dwelling units. The applicant wanted planning permission after completion of construction.”

Rejecting the review application, the bench observed that “Even multi-storied buildings were constructed without taking building permit. It would not be possible for construction of such high rise buildings overnight. Without the knowledge of officials, it would not be possible to construct buildings illegally. Even the applicant herein has put up 32 residential units without planning permission. Though the Government has dismissed the appeal on June 21 2013, neither CMDA nor Chennai Corporation took enforcement action. Even after dismissal of writ petition by the court on January 23 , the officials concerned have not taken any action against the offending construction.”