SC orders demolition of Kochi’s Maradu flats, Rs 25 lakh interim compensation for owners

The Supreme Court on Friday directed that demolition of Kerala’s four apartment buildings built on the coastal zone of Kochi’s Maradu, be completed in 138 days, in accordance with the schedule provided by the state.

The last-minute effort by the Kerala government to protect the buildings failed with the Apex Court making it clear that illegalities cannot be allowed to continue.

The top court also ordered the state government to give interim compensation of Rs 25 lakhs to each flat owner within four weeks’ time and recover the cost from the builders and promoters. 

The Court said, a committee of retired judges, technical experts and civil engineers will further evaluate the compensation payable to the flat owners.

“Our main concern is violation in construction and to stop illegalities, but we are not against them (flat owners). We have to protect them. They have to be compensated immediately,” said a Bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and S Ravindra Bhat.

The next hearing has been fixed for October 25.

The court has also directed freezing of assets of builders and promoters who were involved in the construction of buildings in the coastal zone areas