High Court unhappy with hotel parking lot report, tells officials to list NOC norms

The court directed the Chennai Corporation and the traffic police to come out clear on the yardstick applied for giving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and the penal action taken against the hotels and restaurants, which had come up in total violation of the rules. 

The joint progress report was filed in response to a PIL filed by Raghu of Vyasarpadi, who sought a direction from the court to cancel licence to all hotels which do not follow the rules and regulations pertaining to parking facilities. The report stated that of the 74 applications, 24 were recommended and 42 were not due to traffic congestion and 8 applications were under scrutiny. 

A division bench, comprising Justices TS Sivagnanan and R Mala, while perusing the report, insisted that the next report should furnish details about the basis on which authorities recommended NOCs for 24 hotels and restaurants, and the fate of the eight applications which are stated to be under consideration. 

The bench also sought an action taken report on 42 applications, which were not recommended, and furnish the full particulars on April 28, the next date of hearing. It also sought a report on places that provided for parking by restaurants, hotels and lodges in George Town and if they have got any private parking places.