HC sets 14-day deadline to clear encroachments at Kodambakkam

The Madras High Court has directed the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to remove encroachments from roads, stormwater drains, and other public places at Valliammal Garden in Kodambakkam within two weeks.

While presiding over the first bench with Justice N Mala, Chief Justice MN Bhandari warned the officials that if they fail to remove the illegal occupancies from the Valliammal Garden, the respondent officials have to present before the court for their contemptuous act.

The bench made this observation on hearing a contempt petition filed by S Gopi, president of Subramaniya Nagar and the Neighbourhood Civic and Welfare Association (SNNCWA). The SNNCWA wanted the court to punish the respondent officials of GCC for not obeying the Madras HC’s order dated August 16, 2018, directing them to remove the encroachments on roads, stormwater drains in Valliammal Garden, Kodambakkam. Recording the submissions, the bench held that the court is at a loss to understand why action has been taken only after respondents were called to file an affidavit on July 1, 2021, and not before.

CJ MN Bhandari further observed that when the case was posted on June 29, 2022, the Additional Advocate-General (AAG) requested the case to be posted on June 30, to enable the contemnor to make compliance with the order dated August 10, 2021.

“However, no compliance has been made and only an additional affidavit is filed. The AAG sought two weeks’ further time to comply with the direction to remove the encroachment. Accordingly, two weeks’ time is granted to enable the contemnor to comply with the order. In case a report for removal of encroachment is not submitted, the contemnor shall remain present in the court on the next date of hearing,” the court held.

The case has been posted on July 14.

If respondent officials fail to take action at Valliammal Garden, they will have to be present before court during next hearing