Date:04/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/04/stories/2006030417460700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Status quo in Siruseri land deal case: court

Special Correspondent

Writ petition filed by Singapore firm

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has ordered status quo in the Siruseri land deal case.

Justice F.M. Ibrahim Kalifulla passed the interim order on a writ petition filed by Singapore Realty Private Limited, against a Government Order dated February 17, cancelling the memorandum of understanding between the Government and the company. It also questioned a subsequent communication from SIPCOT, cancelling the land allotment.

By the impugned order, the company had been asked to reconvey the 104.71-acre plot.

The Government cancelled the allotment on the ground that the proposal to construct an integrated township at the plot in Siruseri had not been accorded the mandatory environmental impact assessment (EIA) clearance by the Centre.

Challenging the order, Yeo Boon Kwang, director of the company, said the Government neither issued a show-cause notice nor asked the company to provide any explanation.

"The petitioner has a right to be heard and a right to show cause against the cancellation of the MoU."

Notice to SIPCOT

Admitting the plea, the Judge ordered notices to the State Industries Secretary and SIPCOT.