Centre files counter on Vijakanth's wife petition

Chennai, Jan 29 (UNI) Desiya Morpukku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder-president Vijayakanth and his wife Premalatha are concerned about their own selfish interest rather people's welfare and interest, a counter affidavit filed by the Union Government said.

The Union Government filed its counter to the petition filed by Premalatha, challenging the Centre's notice, seeking to demolish Andal Alagar Marriage Hall, owned by Vijayakanth.

In its counter, the Union Government submitted that to ease traffic congestion, the government proposed to construct three grade separators in Kathipara, Koyambedu and Padi junctions and one flyover in front of the Chennai Airport. The total project cost for the grade separator at Koyambedu was Rs 23.66 crore.

Based on detailed project reports, the National Highways Authority of India floated tenders from September 7, 2004 to October 4, 2004 and the foundation stone for the project was laid on February 1, 2005.

The petitioner was fully aware of the 3(A)(1) notification wherein the land description belonging to the petitioner had been stated. Knowing fully well that her lands have been notified, the petitioner had deliberately chosen not to file objections within 21 one days from the date of publication of the notification. It was only to cover each default that the petitioner has now come out with a case, the Union Government added.

The union government said the Minister during the assembly election never promised but only said alternative proposal would be considered. Considering the technical feasiblity, the alternative proposal of the petitioner was rejected. Her subsequent representation was rejected on January 3, 2007.

Premalatha's husband floated a political party only on September 14, 2005, which was subsequent to the project proposal done in September 2004 and the foundation stone was laid on February 1, 2005. The fact that her husband floated a political party or had established the party office in the premises of Marriage hall will not make the acquisition in question malafide, the Union Government added.

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