A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a stay on the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to construct a new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam in Chennai, estimated to cost Rs 1,200 crore.
The government has proposed building the complex on 21.37 acres of land belonging to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board at Pattinapakkam. A government order for the project was issued last week, following which political parties and members of the fishing community have voiced objections.
The petition was filed on behalf of R.S. Thamizhvendhan of Kodambakkam through advocates M. Senthilkumar and M. Kamesh. It argues that the government has publicly stated it is facing financial constraints and that renovating and continuing to use the Secretariat at Fort St George would avoid such a large expenditure.
It also contends that establishing the Secretariat at Pattinapakkam would adversely affect the welfare of local fishermen. The petitioner has sought directions to drop the project and requested an interim injunction against any construction until the case is decided.
