Act against erring officials to safeguard govt machinery: HC

Unless stern action was not taken against the erroneous government officials, the day was not too far when the government machinery would breakdown complete, said the Madras High Court.

Justice D Krishnakumar made these observations while dismissing a petition filed by K Chinnappan and his family members, who challenged the eviction notice served by the government directing them to vacate the land on which they have made constructions and have occupying them since 1963.

However, Justice Krishnakumar rejected their pleas observing that the land was originally allotted to the Health and Family Welfare Department for constructing quarters government hospital staff. Dismissing the plea, the judge said: “The officials of the government have been a thorn in the flesh of the government by not taking proper steps against the petitioners at the pertinent points of time.”

Expressing its displeasure against the VAO, Revenue Inspector and other officials who did not object to the plan approval for allowing constructions on the land, the court said: “The officials had been dragging the matter for the benefit of the petitioners. Had the person been someone not enjoying the clout such as the petitioner, the said individual would have been dragged from pillar to post by all the governmental agencies even in respect of a small fraction of land, be it his own, which has been acquired by the government.”

The judge also expressed his dissatisfaction as the officials had allotted patta to the land in 1995 despite it being acquired by the government in 1963. “The differing yardstick being adopted by the officials not only affects the citizens, but also showcases the government in a bad light before the public,” the judge added.

The court then directed the government to take actions against officials, cautioning that otherwise the government machinery would break down and it would be at the mercy of unscrupulous elements like the petitioners, who wield their muscle and money power to get things done the way they want.