New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Kerala government to demolish Maradu flats in 138 days and pay ₹25 lakh each to the owners as interim compensation. The court said the money can be recovered from builders and promoters.
The high-rise buildings have been constructed in violation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms.
Justices Arun Mishra and Ravindra Bhat also said a three-member committee of retired high court judges and civil servants will be formed to supervise the demolition process and assess the total compensation in this case. The state government has been asked to suggest names of retired judges and civil servants who can be part of the committee to determine compensations. SC freezes assets of builders and promoters who constructed buildings in coastal zone areas.
The division bench said the committee will look into valuation of the Maradu flats and shall fix responsibility for allowing construction in the CRZ.
The division bench also issued notice to the builders and promoters and sought details of the properties held by them. It also sought a list of all flat owners. SC said government may recover interim compensation amount from builders and promoters who illegally constructed building
On 8 May, the division bench had passed an order for demolition after receiving a report from a committee appointed by the court to study the area where the buildings were constructed. The report said the housing complex had been built on CRZ-III designated area where construction was prohibited.
On Monday, the apex court said it will pass a detailed order regarding the demolition of the 350 flats.
The next date of hearing in the case is 25 October.
