Kochi: After the state decided to challenge the division bench order directing DLF to pay a compensation of Rs 1 crore, it has asked the district collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla not to accept the compensation. According to legal sources the government issued a directive to the collector as it is mulling plans to either file a review petition or an appeal before the Division Bench. Collector sought legal opinion after DLF approached him pursuant to the court directive, sources said.
A Division Bench had ordered the DLF to pay a compensation of Rs 1 crore for illegally constructing the building, violating environmental laws and constructing a flat complex encroaching banks of Chilavannur lake. A single bench had ordered to demolish the building, but when DLF challenged it, the bench reduced the penalty to Rs 1 crore which the green activists found inappropriate. The division bench observed that demolishing the structure at this stage would be “more detrimental as it would further cause damage to the environment”. Court termed the encroachment as mischief and issued compensation.
