Remove helipad at Salem college ground set up for Jaya: Plea in HC

A division bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice R Hemalatha before whom the plea moved by a former student of the Government Arts College, Salem, came up said, “A perusal of the photographs would prima facie disclose that the helipad is located right on the playground and since it is not put to use often, it is high time for the government authorities to take a call to remove the helipad and restore the playground to its original position.”

The petitioner had submitted that a helipad was put up long ago for the use of the then chief minister Jayalalithaa. Thereafter, it has not been put to use for very many years and the helipad is located on a playground. On account of its existence, the length and the breadth of the playground also got reduced and therefore, students are unable to carry on with sport activities, the petitioner said.

However, regards an averment that some 19 students have been unreasonably expelled from the college hostel, the bench said, “the petitioner, except alleging something in the representation, did not indicate whether they have been expelled by way of rustication or indulging in illegal or unethical activities. Therefore, this court is not inclined to issue notice as to the said plea.”

The bench on issuing notice of motion returnable on March 04, 2020, regards the helipad allowed issue of private notice as well.