Date:28/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/11/28/stories/2004112804450300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Notice on irregularities in issue of certificates for illegal constructions

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, NOV. 27. The Madras High Court has issued notice to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) and the Chennai Corporation on a petition filed by the Floor Leader of Congress, Royapuram R. Manohar, alleging large-scale irregularities in the issuance of completion certificates for illegal constructions.

Justice V. Kanagaraj admitted the criminal original petition of Mr. Manohar, who stated that top Corporation authorities and the Town Planning Standing Committee had legalised unauthorised constructions without ensuring that the buildings were inspected.

"The respondent-authorities had committed grave irregularities in granting completion certificates to buildings that have been constructed in violation of planning permission granted by the Corporation," he said and added that it enabled the land-owners to obtain electrical, sewerage and water connections.

"New constructions in the city can get electricity service connection and sewerage connection only when owners obtain a no-objection certificate from the Corporation," Mr. Manohar added.

Though several Opposition members in the Corporation Council had furnished cases where illegal completion certificates were granted, no action was taken, he said.

He prayed for a direction to the DVAC to take his March 2004 complaint on file, register a first information report and investigate the matter.