HC enables Special Officer to take charge of administration of Victoria Edward Hall, commence inquiry

Madras HC vacates interim order, enables Special Officer to take charge of Victoria Edward Hall in Madurai & commence inquiry into alleged irregularities. Special Officer to ensure library is open to public & office-bearers to hand over documents & keys. Police to provide protection.

Madras High Court has vacated an interim order and enabled the Special Officer appointed by the State government to take charge of the administration of the Victoria Edward Hall in Madurai and commence inquiry proceedings on the allegations of irregularities.

In March 2023, a government order was issued appointing a Special Officer to the Victoria Edward Hall, a society registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. A batch of petitions was filed challenging the government order and impleading petitions were also filed.

Justice S.M. Subramaniam took into account that allegations and counter allegations were made. The authorities found that illegalities were committed, including financial irregularities. A detailed enquiry is just and necessary in the interest of society and its members.

The court observed that on account of the pendency of the present petitions, the Special Officer was unable to take charge of the administration of the society and proceed with the inquiry, since an interim order is in force.

R. Raveendranath, District Registrar (Administration) (Assistant Registrar General) to Madurai North, was appointed as Special Officer for one year.

Without going into the merits of the other issues raised between the parties, the court was inclined to vacate the interim order, enabling the Special Officer appointed by the government to take charge of the administration of the Victoria Edward Hall and commence inquiry proceedings immediately, the court observed.

The court directed that after taking charge of the administration, the Special Officer should ensure that the library is kept open for the general public. All the members of the society should cooperate in the inquiry and provide information, documents and evidence etc.