A staff of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority sealing a shop after issuing a ‘lock and seal' notice at Ranganathan Street in Chennai on Monday. Nearly 25 commercial establishments on Usman Road and Ranganathan Street in T. Nagar were sealed. Photo: S.S. Kumar
After proper field verification, notices were issued for locking and sealing of multi-storeyed commercial buildings. Photo shows employees of Jeyachandran Textiles being 'evacuated' before the sealing of the building. Photo: S.S. Kumar
On October 12, 2011, the Madras High Court termed the official status report on the steps taken to demolish unauthorised constructions as “eyewash.” Photo shows pedestrians walking freely after CMDA officials sealed several buildings on Usman Road in T.Nagar on Monday. Photo: K. Pichumani
Workers wait outside a shop as early as 5.30 a.m. on hearing about the possible action by the CMDA officials on Monday. Photo: S.S. Kumar
The 'lock and seal' notice being pasted on a shop in Ranganathan Street by Corporation and CMDA officials. Photo: S.S. Kumar
Workers of a shop protesting the entry of CMDA and Chennai Corporation staff. Photo: S.S. Kumar
The CMDA's move follows a directive of the Madras High Court, which appointed a Monitoring Committee to look into the issue of unauthorised constructions and building violations. Photo shows Ranganathan Street wearing a deserted look after the 'lock and seal' order. Photo: S.S. Kumar
Policemen posted on Ranganathan Street, T.Nagar, as a precautionary measure following the CMDA's drive against unauthorised builidings. Photo: S.S. Kumar
An official having a tough time in convincing a staff of a shop on Ranganathan Street about their action following the High Court order. Photo: S.S.Kumar