After hammering, CMDA to engage senior lawyer

CHENNAI: The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is planning to replace the advocate general with a senior advocate to fight its case on illegal constructions following reversal of fortunes in the High Court where 31 of its officials were impleaded for inaction. Sources said the court order highlighted the failure of the advocate general who was unable to fully involve and devote time for the case. “He is engaged in a number of important government cases and as such he is unable to fully involve and devote time for the CMDA case,” sources said.Meanwhile, CMDA  has proposed the name of a senior advocate to the Housing and Urban Development Secretary and vice-chairman of CMDA. Sources said that senior advocate A L Somayajulu is likely to appear on behalf of CMDA to defend the department in three public interest litigation cases.Sources say the list of 31 officials submitted to the court for inaction is diluted. The list includes only those officials who were serving during 2006-2010 period. The list does not take into account those officials who failed to act after lock and seal act came into prominence in December 2008.Interestingly, as per the findings of the monitoring committee nearly 5,000 buildings were identified to be demolished. But surprisingly only less than 100 buildings were identified for lock and seal. “Are they not responsible for inaction,” a source reasoned.While the High Court regularized buildings till 1999, it did not give its assent to the illegal constructions built during 1999-2006 period. “The then officials, many of whom may have now retired, also do not figure in the list of 31,” sources reasoned.The list also do not have the name of erring professional builders of illegal multi-storied and special buildings as directed by the court in August 23, 2006 besides the names of erring officials in corporation, municipalities and panchayats, who are equally at fault for inaction against illegal constructions.