Conflicting orders create chaos over extension of interim orders

Following the State Government Pleader’s submission that normalcy has almost been restored and that the continued extension of interim orders relating to eviction, encroachments and demolition would pose a difficulty to the administration, a division bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice R Hemalatha had on November 6 closed the suo motu writ petition registered amid the COVID-19 pandemic.“In the light of the fact that almost all activities are permitted subject to compliance of COVID-19 norms/Standard Operating Procedure, this court is of the considered view that there is no need to extend the interim orders, already passed,” the bench had held.

Incidentally, this order came days after the Madurai bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and B Pugalendhi extended the interim orders by an order on November 2. “This court extends the interim orders in the following terms: interim orders except the extension of parole / leave of convicts, shall continue, subject to any modification. In the same terms, the interim orders are extended till November 30,” the order said.