HC slams govt for ‘dysfunctional’ e-Seva ‘announced with fanfare’

A division bench comprising Justice M Sathayanarayanan and Justice R Hemalatha made the observation after taking strong exception to the government inaction on a representation alleging unauthorised construction at Kovalam Road in Mahabalipuram.

“This court has pointed out that once a representation is sent to the officials concerned, pointing out any infraction of relevant laws, it is obligatory and rather mandatory to respond to the same. But undoubtedly, despite the availability of e-Seva announced by the government with much fanfare, nothing is happening and over time, the parties concerned are approaching this court for getting necessary orders, even for disposal of the representation,” the bench said.

“No useful purpose would be served by merely announcing a portal or scheme as to the disposal of the representation without being followed as to its effective implementation. It is high time the government looked into it and set things right,” it further held.

In the present case, the bench pointed out that no materials have been placed on record regards the follow-up action taken on the notice issued by the Secretary, Mahabalipuram Pudhu Nagar Development Committee, to the alleged violator D Srinivasan (10th Respondent) on May 20, 2020, to halt the unauthorised construction.

However, it held that the petitioner has at least pointed out the unauthorised construction and therefore, the representations are bound to be looked into and a reply sent to the complainant.

The bench directed the RDO, Chengalpattu to carry out an inspection of the superstructure already put up with the assistance of the relevant records and take immediate action under the law and communicate the decision taken to the petitioner as well as to the 10th respondent.