Marakkanam violence: Notice to PMK demanding compensation quashed

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Monday quashed a notice issued by the state government to Pattali Makkal Katchi demanding compensation of Rs.18 lakhs for damaging an RCC construction/bridge on the ECR in April 2013 during violence that occurred when the party called for a Chithirai Festival.

Justice M Dhandapani passed the orders on disposing of a petition filed by GK Mani, who was the president of PMK in 2014.

According to the petitioner, the state has framed his party as the accused in the case due to willful political reasons.

“Several unidentified persons have been arrested in the case. Though no PMK man was identified that they were involved in the violence, the state sent a notice to demand huge compensation from PMK. It is arbitrary, illegal, and liable to be set aside, ” the petitioner submitted.

He further added that section 10 (2) of the Tamil Nadu Property (prevention of damage and loss) Act, 1992 cannot be invoked in this case to demand compensation of Rs.18 lakhs.

“There is absolutely no material to show that the alleged assailants are members of PMK and hence, the proceedings initiated against the petitioner is arbitrary, unwarranted and without any basis, ” the petitioner submitted.

Recording the submissions, the judge set aside the notice issued by the government to the PMK.