CHENNAI: Political parties and social outfits damaging public properties and causing loss to the government beware.
The Madras high court has upheld Tamil Nadu government-owned MTC’s demand for compensation from the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), which had damaged 58 buses and caused disruption of services during a Vanniyar Sangam conference in 2013.
Noting that parties cannot go unpunished for such offences and that the government is the custodian of public assets, Justice S M Subramaniam has directed the PMK to participate in the inquiry to assess damage and pay compensation.
The court also directed collectors and superintendents of police of districts in Tamil Nadu to assess such damage and take action against officials who failed to take steps to recover compensation from culprits.
The court passed the order while refusing to quash the proceeding initiated against the PMK by MTC dated July 17, 2013.
Noting that roads are blocked during such protests preventing access to even ambulances, the court said, “people are frustrated with illegal activities of such groups and, undoubtedly, the right of a common man to lead a peaceful life, which is enunciated under the Constitution, must be ensured by the government of the day, irrespective of the political party.”
“The ambitions of the political party cannot be achieved by misleading the people or by causing infringement of the rights of the citizen,” the judge said.
Stressing for proper implementation of the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, the court said, 29 years has lapsed, it is not made clear in how many cases, compensations are granted despite the fact that damages or losses are established. “Looking back, this great nation witnessed a series of agitations, demonstrations, violations, affecting the public at large. In all such circumstances, ordinary voiceless citizens are forced to tolerate such illegalities committed by political parties or communal, language or ethnic groups,” Justice Subramaniam said.
The majority rightthinking citizens are the victims and their normal life is being affected to such an extent. Many poor people lost their properties and huge damages were caused to public properties. Therefore, the government of the day is expected to initiate quick and effective actions in such circumstances, where any mischief is committed, and damage or loss is caused to the properties, the judge added.
