Crack down on unauthorised buildings in Chennai, other urban localities: HC

‘Large amounts of money exchange hands between real estate mafia and officials’

The Madras High Court on Monday impressed upon the need for the State government to crack down on unauthorised constructions in Greater Chennai Corporation limits, as well as other urban localities, and prevent disorganised development due to the unholy nexus between the real estate mafia and the officials. Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy directed the High Court Registry to forward a copy of their interim order to the Municipal Administration department as well as Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner so that some order could be maintained with regard to constructions. “It must not be lost sight of the fact that this is a prime area where unwanted elements are involved and there is a nexus between persons in positions of authority with realtors and even with mafia and large amounts of money exchange hands. Advocate General R. Shunmugasundaram is available and there is no doubt that the State will address the obvious malaise with the degree of seriousness it deserves,” the judges wrote.