JUDGMENT

The issues arising for consideration in these matters are closely interlinked. The petitioner is also one and the same in both the matters. The writ petitions are, therefore, disposed of by this common judgment. The parties and documents are referred to in this judgment, unless otherwise mentioned, as they appear in W.P.(C)

No.24986 of 2016.

2. The petitioner owns a multi-storied commercial building within the limits of Kochi Corporation (the Corporation). The building of the petitioner is one constructed on the strength of the building permits obtained by the predecessors of the petitioner. The predecessors of the petitioner initially obtained Ext.P1 building permit on 18/9/2007 under the Kerala Municipality Building Rules (the Rules) for construction of a building consisting of three basement floors, ground floor and thirteen upper floors. Since the layout approval of the Chief Town Planner was required for the proposed building in terms of the Rules, Ext.P1 building permit was obtained on the basis of Ext.P2 layout approval. The building proposed being an assembly occupancy building consisting of cinema theaters, Ext.P2 layout approval was granted by the Chief Town Planne