The Madras High Court has said the Chennai Corporation and the police may have to face contempt proceedings if they permit George Town steel merchants to encroach on the roads again.
The merchants too will face action in the event of a violation. Their shops will be locked, the court said.
Disposing of a petition against the encroachments, the First Bench, comprising Chief Justice S.K. Kaul and Justice M.M. Sundresh, has placed on record the authorities’ statement that the area beyond the four corners of the shops has been cleared and vigil is being maintained to ensure there are no encroachments again.
The Bench said the traders had given an undertaking before the court that they would carry on business only within their premises.
It said the merchants should remain bound by the undertaking and no further orders are required on the petition.
S. Ragu had filed the petition to keep the roads in George Town free from encroachment by steel merchants.
