Groups of Pondy Bazar shopkeepers gathered near the new shopping complex, built by Chennai Corporation, on Wednesday.
The complex came up where there was earlier a vegetable and fruit market. Those who had shops in the market were relocated to the nearby street till such time as the structure was built.
Though the complex was ready three years ago, several rounds of court proceedings on allotment and lack of space for the shops made it difficult for the Corporation to relocate the shops.
Since October the shopkeepers sought extension of deadlines three times.
The last deadline was November 4. A formal entry into the shopping complex will take place around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
