Squatters, rent defaulters of govt quarters being penalised, HC told

The submission was in sequel to directions offered by Justice S M Subramaniam in a plea pertaining to a retired police sub-inspector (SI) occupying a tenement at the Ambattur Industrial Estate police quarters since 1979 and refusing to vacate it claiming ownership.

He had contended that a GO issued in 1997 made him eligible to obtain the tenement on a permanent basis. But this was contrary to the truth as no such order was passed by the Ambattur SIDCO.

However, the government submitted that action has been initiated by issuing show cause notice to the officials and that the retired SI also vacated the premises and handed over the possession to Ambattur SIDCO.

It also told the court that in respect of all other similar tenements across the State, where the ‘allottees’ have not vacated the quarters and not paid the rent, action was being taken and accordingly, all such illegal occupants will be evicted by following the procedures and that the rent arrears would be recovered.

However, Justice Subramaniam, on holding that it is needless to state that it is the duty of the officials concerned to enforce law in respect of such illegal occupants, said, “This court is of the considered opinion that there was a consistent failure on the part of the officials in collection of the monthly rent properly and promptly.

This apart, the illegal occupants were allowed to continue for a number of years without any authority and this court is of the considered opinion that this illegal occupation may not be possible without the support or collusion of the authorities competent, who all are in charge or administering the quarters.”

Also, on conceding to the plea moved by the retired SI that he would pay the pending rent in instalments within 18 months, Justice Subramaniam directed the State to complete the disciplinary proceedings initiated against all the errant officials who are responsible and liable for such lapses of “inactions, omissions or commissions”, and recover the interest amount proportionately from them.