HC rescinds penalty as Chennai Corporation Commissioner tenders apology
The Madras High Court on Thursday rescinded its earlier order, imposing Rs 1 lakh penalty on senior IAS officer and Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran, in a contempt case related to inaction on illegal constructions, following his personal appearance and tendering an unconditional apology.
The First Bench of Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Sunder Mohan, taking note of the Commissioner’s personal appearance and apology, revoked the earlier directive imposing the fine. The officer had not wilfully disobeyed and had expressed regret, the Bench observed.
During the hearing on Tuesday on the contempt case filed by a practising advocate and former councillor Rukmangathan, the Judges took strong exception over the conduct of the civic body and issued summons for Kumaragurubaran to appear in person.
According to the petitioner, the Greater Corporation had failed to implement the high court order passed in 2021 to act against unauthorised buildings and constructions, particularly in Royapuram in north Chennai and other areas.
A Bench comprising previous Chief Justice SV Gangapurvala, hearing a contempt petition filed by Rukmangathan, had expressed strong displeasure over the inaction and imposed the fine on the Commissioner and that it should be deducted from the officer’s salary, which should be paid to the Adyar Cancer Institute.