HC directs TN govt. file Kodanadu estate inspection report

Chennai, Apr 16 (UNI) The Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu government to file before it the inspection report and the notice issued for demolishing the illegal constructions inside the Kodanadu Estate in Nilgiris district, allegedly owned by AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa and her aides.

When the case came up for hearing, Mr Justice K Chandru also directed the Kodanadu panchayat authorities to file before the court, the notice issued to the Kodanadu Estate officials directing them to open the main gate of the Estate for thoroughfares.

After hearing arguments from both the sides, the Judge wondered how the district authorities gained access to the Estate and inspected the alleged illegal constructions there when the main gate was closed, and posted the case to April 22 for further hearing.

It may be noted that the Kodanadu Panchayat and district authorities had in their affidavit mentioned that they had visited the estate and found that some buildings were constructed illegally without permission, following which notices were issued.

Mr Chandru was the fifth judge to hear the case after Mr Justice K Mohanram, on April 10, refused to hear the controversial case citing receipt of a threatening letter.

The case was earlier heard by Mr Justice K N Basha, who had ordered maintenance of status - quo on the issue.

It was later posted before Ms Justice Bhanumathy, who refused to hear the case. Then it was posted before with Mr Justice Kulasekaran, who was shifted to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High court, following which it was posted before Mr Mohanram.

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