HC fumes over corruption in city corporation; seeks report

Chennai, Aug. 15 (PTI): The Madras High Court made strong observations today over ‘rampant’ corruption in the city corporation and said people were unable to get any document without bribing officials. Making the observations in an interim order on a petition seeking removal of an encroachment, Justice S M Subramaniam also slammed officials for their inaction to stop violations and sought a report on action taken so far in such cases. He made the remarks during the hearing when Corporation Commissioner D Karthikeyan was present in the court, complying with an earlier order. The judge refused to accept the submission of Additional Advocate General Manishankar, who appeared on behalf of the commissioner, that the civic body was initiating all steps to eradicate irregularities and illegalities in respect of the constructions and other related offences. The judge said stern action was highly warranted to curb such irregularities and gave a series of directions to the commissioner, seeking details on building plan approvals, violations if any and follow-up action taken, among others. Dispensing with further appearance of the commissioner, he said the report should explain the nexus, collusion and corrupt activities largely found between the officials of the corporation, police, local politicians, electricity board authorities and others. The judge then posted the matter to August 27, ordering the official to file the report by then. Petitioner H Lakshmi has sought a direction to the officials to remove a generator placed in front of her house by allegedly encroaching corporation land.