Taking a serious view in a case where construction work was continued in an unauthorised building in Trichy district despite an earlier order of the court to maintain status quo, the Madras high court has directed the authorities to disconnect the electricity and water supply connection to the building.
The court was hearing a petition filed by A Jalal seeking for a direction to the Trichy corporation authorities to inspect the three-storey building at Kalaivanar Street at Sangiliyandapuram in Trichy and grant approval and stability certificate.
Justice P T Asha observed that on perusal of the records it is seen that a division bench of the court in 2020, had directed to maintain status quo on the unauthorised construction.
The authorities have shut their eyes to the continuing illegal construction.
The averments in the affidavit also indicate that the concrete structure of the third floor had collapsed and the concrete material had fallen in the common passage.
Despite this, no steps have been taken to stop the construction, though the counsel for the authorities would contend that they had passed orders for lock and seal, observed the judge.
Taking into account that the earlier order of the division bench had been flouted, the judge directed the electricity board to disconnect the connection and directed the corporation officials to disconnect the water supply to the building.
The judge sought a report from the authorities and adjourned the case to March 17.
