The court underscored the necessity of compliance with statutory provisions affording tenants an opportunity to be heard before property is demolished.

COMMON ORDER

The writ petitions have been instituted questioning the validity of the cancellation of allotment made by the respondent / Tamil Nadu Housing Board.

2. The writ petitioners are tenants in occupation of the rental housing board at Pattinapakkam, Chennai – 600 028.

3. It is not in dispute that several blocks in Pattinapakkam Housing Unit had already been demolished by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board and hardly about four or five blocks are yet to be demolished, since a decision has been taken by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board to demolish the entire old building, which all are in dilapidated condition and proposed for a new project.

4. The petitioners are residing in the rental building for several years.

5. The learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board would submit that the Engineers of the Housing Board assessed the buildings and submitted a technical report stating that the houses are not fit for dwelling purposes and it is in dilapidated condition. Day by day the condition of the building is deteriorating and people residing there are living at their own risk.

6. This Court is of the considered opinion that though the learned counsel for the petitioners disputed that the buildings are in liveable condition, the same deserves no merit considerations. The respondents could establish through photograph that the other nearby blocks were already demolished and the house occupied by the petitioners are also in bad condition. More so, the petitioners are tenants and they are liable to vacate the premises one or the other day. They cannot have any permanent residency in the housing board houses.

7. The grievances of the petitioners are that they are not heard before passing of the order.

8. Mr.Niranjan Rajagopalan, learned counsel for the petitioner in W.P.No.28274 of 2023 would submit that an opportunity which is contemplated under Section 84 of the Madras State Housing Board Act , 1961 has not been complied with and therefore, the order impugned is infirm. 9. This Court is of the considered opinion that the opportunity as contemplated under the Statutes and Regulations are to be complied with by the authorities. The respondents could not establish that such an opportunity was provided to the petitioners.

10. Thus, this Court is inclined to provide an opportunity to the petitioners to put forth their case before the respondents.

11. In view of the facts and circumstances, the petitioners are at liberty to submit their explanations / objections along with the documents, if any before the competent authority within a period of two (2) weeks from today. On receipt of such objections / explanations from the petitioners, the competent authority shall fix a date and time for personal appearance of the occupants and by providing an opportunity of personal hearing, the competent authority shall pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law.

12. Beyond the facts placed between the parties, this Court is aware of the fact that the Tamil Nadu Housing Board building in Pattinapakkam, Chennai are in dilapidated condition and many number of blocks were already demolished and the life of the occupants are to be protected. These aspect are to be considered by the petitioners and the respondents and the respective learned counsels are also expected to advice the occupants to shift their residence to a safer place.

13. With the above directions, all the Writ Petitions are disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

25.04.2024 (1/2) Jeni Index : Yes Speaking order Neutral Citation : Yes To

1.The Principal Secretary, Tamil Nadu Housing and Urban Development Department, Fort St. George, Chennai – 600 009.

2.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, CMDA Building, Koyembedu, Chennai.

3.The Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, Pattinapakkam Division, Nandanam, Chennai – 600 035.

4.Chief Revenue Officer, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, CMDA Building, E and C Shop R