HC directive on public conveniences in wrong hands

Chennai, Dec 6 (UNI) Madras High Court today directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Inspector of Police, Washermanpet, to personally appear before the court on December 8, in connection with a petition seeking to take action to recover public conveniences, which were in the hands of anti-social elements in North Madras.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice K Chandru gave the directive on a petition filed by United Labour Federation represented by its President K Mariappan, who also sought a direction to take appropriate action, including arrest for occupying public conveniences (PCs) illegally.

Mr Mariappan submitted that there were 314 PCs in Chennai City and 400 persons were employed for them. Revenue generated by the PCs was in the range of Rs 50,000 per day.

Sulabh International, claiming to be an NGO, was operating the PCs. The workers were paid monthly wages between Rs 600 to 1500.

Despite such large collection, workers were not paid wages. Due to poor working conditions, low wages and lack of security, the Union was forced to file a petition, earlier, and the High Court appointed four Advocate Commissioners (ACs) for payment of emuneration. After that the ACs were maintaining accounts and periodically remitting amounts into the account, separately maintained by them, he added.

Subsequently, Chennai Corporation cancelled the contract in favour of the NGO in 1999. The PCs administration was being done and wages were paid to workers under the supervision of ACs.

The arrangement was going on smoothly without any complaint till 2006. While so, immediately after the local body elections, several elected councillors sent their representatives and forcibly took over 51 PCs, throwing out regular workers working there and paid by the ACs.

Despite complaints, police refused to receive it as the ruling party members were involved in the 'grabbing' of PCs, he alleged.

He sent a representation to the Chief Minister. But till date no steps were taken, he added.

UNI XR AA SI RS2011