No contempt action against authorities: SC to Maradu owners

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea by some owners of Maradu flats in Kochi seeking direction to the Attorney General to grant permission to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against concerned authorities for allegedly misleading the court in the matter.

The apex court had on September 30 refused to entertain a plea of flat owners seeking a stay on its order to demolish four apartment complexes in Maradu which were built in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone norms. On September 27, the top court had directed demolition of these flats within 138 days, a timeline given by the Kerala government, and had asked the state to pay Rs 25 lakh interim compensation to each flat owner within four weeks.

The fresh plea, filed by some flat owners, came up for hearing before a bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and Sanjiv Khanna.

“Several times we have decided this. You are making a mockery it,” the bench told the counsel appearing for the petitioners.

When the lawyer said he would withdraw the plea, the bench said: “Dismissed. No withdrawal”.

The plea sought direction to the Attorney General, the top law officer of the country, to grant permission for initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against authorities including members of a court-appointed committee which was set up for proper ascertainment of facts pertaining to construction of flats there for allegedly misleading the court.

On November 22, the top court had agreed to hear in open court the review pleas of some Maradu flat owners seeking appropriate relief from the builders.