Corporation told to probe status of buildings

HC seeks clarification on elimination of bungalows from residential scheme

The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the Kochi Corporation to conduct a detailed probe to verify whether the buildings categorised as ‘G’ (bungalows) would fall within the residential scheme applicable to Panampilly Nagar.

Justice V. Chitambaresh observed that it was surprising how those buildings were eliminated from the scheme.

The court noted that its order directing to close down unlicensed commercial establishments functioning from residential houses would expire on August 16.

The corporation is dragging its feet on the matter, facilitating trade being conducted illegally from residential houses.

Draws flak

Meanwhile, the court suo motu impleaded T.K. Jose, Additional Chief Secretary, and asked him to file a response to an adverse remark reportedly made by him against the judge.

The Additional Chief Secretary had reportedly made the remark at an adalat organised by the corporation the other day, when the Corporation Secretary pointed out that she was summoned to the chamber of the judge and asked to implement the High Court directives on the issue.

The Additional Chief Secretary then said he had doubts as to whether it was appropriate for the judge to call the Secretary to the judge’s chamber in a contempt case.

Adverse reports

The judge observed that no judge shall be cowed down by adverse reports in a newspaper. It interfered with the administration of the judge.

Nobody, much less an Additional Chief Secretary, could cast aspersions on the judge.

The court made it clear that the personal appearance of the Additional Chief Secretary was not dispensed with. The court posted the case to August 20 for further hearing.