The Ernakulam district administration is awaiting an official communication on the Supreme Court’s latest directive to demolish the Rainbow restaurant at Aluva.
Reports reaching here indicate that the apex court has asked the State government to use its resources to raze the illegal structure without any delay. The court has also rejected the State government’s plea seeking another six months for demolishing the building that came up in complete violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone guidelines on the banks of the Periyar.
Indicating that no further time could be allowed for pulling down the structure, the apex court had also directed that the State could use the service of the central forces if required.
M.G. Rajamanickam, the Ernakulam District Collector, when contacted, said he had not received any communication from the government regarding the Supreme Court’s order. “I have not received any information on the reported order from the government,” he said.
The landmark judgement on demolition was issued by the apex court some months ago on a petition filed by S. Seetharaman, the former secretary of the Association for Environment Protection, Aluva. The court had also rejected a revision petition filed by the State. The building was constructed by the District Tourism Promotion Council, headed by the Collector.
The petitioner had stated that he was planning to sue the officials responsible for the construction of the building, which eventually caused loss to the exchequer.
The officials who had failed to implement the apex court order too would have to face the contempt of court charge , said Sivan Madathil the lawyer of the petitioner.
