The Madras High Court has imposed a ?1 lakh cost on a municipal commissioner, expressing dissatisfaction over inaction on unauthorized construction in a city zone. The first bench of the Chief Justice and a Justice directed the state government to deduct the amount from the commissioner’s salary and deposit it into the account of a cancer institute.

The order came on a contempt petition filed by an advocate, alleging that the municipal corporation failed to comply with a court order dated April 8, 2022, to remove unauthorized constructions in the zone. During the hearing, the court censured the corporation for not taking sufficient action against illegal buildings, noting that it gave the impression of unwillingness to act against violators.

The bench accused the commissioner of intentionally not providing adequate details of actions taken, including notices issued, responses received, and demolitions carried out. The affidavit only mentioned that around 242 buildings were locked and sealed.

Since the corporation failed to provide the promised details within the stipulated time, the court imposed the cost on the commissioner.

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