The Kerala High Court has reserved its verdict on a writ petition challenging the Ernakulam District Collector’s order directing the closure of the multiplex screens at Centre Square Mall on M.G. Road.
The Collector had passed the order on a report filed by the Divisional Fire Officer, stating that the floors where the multiplex was situated had not been granted the final no objection certificate by the Fire and Rescue Service Department. The petitioner had stated that the High Court had stayed further proceedings consequent to the rejection of the final no objection certificate by the department. The Collector was trying to circumvent the High Court interim order, the petitioner alleged. The Collector, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, had issued the order invoking Sections 30, 33, 34, and 51 (b) of the Disaster Management Act.
The petitioner contended that there was no circumstance warranting the exercise of powers under the Act. He had acted arbitrarily and without application of mind.