The Madras High Court, on Thursday, proposed the formation of high-level committees to curb unauthorized constructions in corporations and municipalities.
A division bench consisting of Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice R Vijayakumar noted an influx of petitions related to the removal of unauthorized constructions. These cases typically fall into three categories: constructions on patta land without authorization, encroachments on government poramboke land, and obtaining approval for residential purposes with subsequent conversion for commercial use.
Expressing concern over the recurring nature of such cases, the judges pointed out that unauthorized constructions could not occur without the knowledge of the relevant officials. Despite previous court directives to take action and initiate disciplinary measures against negligent officials, compliance has been lacking.
In light of these challenges, the judges recommended the establishment of high-level committees by the state government to monitor and prevent unauthorized constructions. They also called for the state’s input on comprehensive guidelines for preventing such constructions.
When the state sought time to provide instructions regarding the formation of these committees, the matter was scheduled for further hearing on February 15.
The court’s involvement in this matter stemmed from a series of petitions addressing unauthorized constructions. In a previous hearing, the court had expressed serious concern and directed the standing counsels for the respective corporations under the Madurai bench’s jurisdiction to submit reports detailing such constructions.