Devikulam Subcollector Renu Raj has approached the Advocate General (AG) for initiating contempt of court proceedings against panchayat secretary of Munnar for constructing a building in violation of the stop memo and directives of the Kerala High Court.
In a report submitted to the AG, Ms. Raj pointed out that the construction activities of the panchayat at Moolakkada area of Munnar town were carried out in the presence of S. Rajendran, Devikulam MLA, and ignoring several directives.
Incidentally, the legislator had reportedly made derogatory comments against Ms. Raj on Friday after the official refused to heed his suggestions for permitting the construction of the building. Later, the legislator withdrew his comments and tendered an apology as the incidents stirred a public outcry.
Need for NOC
In her letter, the Subcollector pointed out that a stop memo was issued to the secretary of the Munnar panchayat regarding the construction of the building. The official was informed that such constructions needed the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the District Collector, she stated.
The High Court had earlier ordered that clearance from the Revenue Department was required for constructions in the eight villages that were earlier under the jurisdiction of the Munnar Special Tribunal. The Deputy Director of Idukki panchayat, and the Munnar, Pallivasal, Chinnakanal and Devikulam panchayats were also issued letters informing them that NOC from the Revenue Department was required for the construction activities, she submitted.
The contractor of the building and the members of the panchayat abused the Special Village Officer of Munnar, who was deputed to the site following the information that illegal construction was progressing despite the stop memo. The panchayat secretary was also asked over telephone to stop the work, as instructed by the District Collector, she stated.
The Dy.SP, Munnar, was asked to provide protection to the Revenue officials who interfered in the issue. The help of the police was also sought to stop the illegal construction, Ms. Raj submitted.
