The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court granted liberty to a petitioner, a resident of Kovilpappakudi, to give his objections to the merger of the village with Madurai Corporation. The court directed the authorities to consider it and pass orders.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by S. Gnanavel of Kovilpappakudi in Madurai district. The petitioner said that there were about 1,900 families in Kovilpappakudi who were dependent on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme which ensures 100 days of wage employment to rural households, focusing on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Various schemes funded by the Central and the State governments were being implemented in the village. Kovilpappakudi would miss out on these schemes if it was merged with Madurai Corporation. Kovilpappakudi panchayat had passed a resolution to the effect not to merge the village with Madurai Corporation, but the same was not considered, the petitioner said.
A Division Bench of Justices M.S. Ramesh and A.D. Maria Clete was informed by Madurai Corporation that a notification was issued on December 31, 2024 and six weeks time had been given for the filing of objections. The six weeks period was yet to expire, it was submitted.
Taking note of the submission, the court granted liberty to the petitioner to give his objections within six weeks from the date of the notification. On receipt of the same, the authorities shall consider it and pass appropriate orders on merits, the court directed and disposed of the petition.
Published – January 31, 2025 08:50 pm IST