People frustrated over corruption in Corporation, fumes High Court

Passing interim order on a plea seeking to remove a generator installed in front of a house, Justice S M Subramaniam said, “The report should explain the nexus, collusion and corrupt activities largely found between the officials of Corporation, police, local politicians, Electricity Board authorities and Metro Board authorities.” 

“It should elaborate the situations prevailing and the connivance between these officials for committing large scale violations and developing corrupt activities in respect of construction activities and other related activities in the city,” the judge noted and directed the city Commissioner to file the report by August 27 and also appear in person to explain it. 

“In every transaction in the Corporation, people are absolutely frustrated, and the corrupt activities of the officials are rampant, and the people are unable to get necessary approvals, certificates and documents from the corporation without paying bribe to these officials,” the judge said.

Refusing to accept Additional Advocate General C Manishankar’s submission that Chennai Corporation has been initiating all steps to eradicate the irregularities and illegalities in construction activities, Justice Subramaniam said, “This Court is of an opinion that such action so far initiated are not found satisfactory and the people residing within the jurisdiction of the Greater Chennai Corporation are totally frustrated in respect of the inaction of the Corporation officials to control and minimise the illegal building constructions and large scale violations in constructions. Thus, stern action is highly warranted in this regard.”