Following a verdict by the Madras High Court regarding a 35-year-old encroachment on a Corporation-owned public road, the Coimbatore Corporation that initially planned its removal has postponed it citing potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
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This decision emerged shortly after the civic body issued a proceeding order directing two teams of Town Planning Officers (TPOs) to complete the removal of the encroachment on Monday, employing earth movers and ground workers. However, this directive was reversed by noon.
Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran said, “TPOs are formulating a new plan to address the encroachment. Due to its longstanding presence and the involvement of multiple parties, we aim to prevent potential law and order disturbances, particularly during election time.”
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Additionally, a TPO said the civic body intended to wait a bit longer to ensure compliance with the MCC. However, there is no MCC regulation that prohibits an urban local body from executing a court verdict during elections.
Further, sources affiliated with the private parties responsible for encroachment said their intention was to petition the Supreme Court for a stay order.
Expressing concern, city-based activist S.P. Thiyagarajan emphasised that obtaining a stay order would render all efforts to reclaim the public road futile. “The Corporation’s delay in addressing the issue is disappointing. It’s regrettable that it has taken 35 years to clear a public road in this system, yet no action is being pursued,” he said.