Madras HC: Contempt proceedings against official to be initiated in Pallikaranai marsh sale deeds

Justice N Kirubakaran on observing  that this court is unable to understand as to how the officer Sivapriya has been relieved contrary to the order passed by this court said “It is nothing but sheer violation of the court order. Hence, this court would initiate appropriate suo motu contempt proceedings against the concerned official.”

Justice Kirubakaran also noted that the order passed by this court in the presence of Vasuki, Deputy Inspector General (Registration), Chennai was to ensure that the said officer who had been in the same position for three years would be able to give the details required by this court than any other new officer.

Further noting that the main issue involved in this case is the encroachment of marshlands, the judge said taking note of the mindless encroachment and discharge of hazardous effluent into the marshlands by the Governmental agencies as well as the private companies, this court in an endeavour to preserve and protect the existing marshlands, has to necessarily deal with the matter in public interest very comprehensively.

Listing out scores of survey numbers and holding that it is brought to the notice of this court that clandestinely and systematically marshlands in Pallikaranai village are being alienated illegally, he said the marshlands are encumbered by registering those documents in Registrar Offices in various parts of Tamil Nadu, even though only the Joint Registrar South Chennai Registration Office, Saidapet, is the competent authority under the Registration Act to register documents pertaining to Pallikaranai area including marshlands.