Maradu flats: SC directs Kerala govt to give ₹25 lakh as interim compensation to flat owners

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern on the suffering of the Maradu flats residents saying that they cannot be left in dire straits and directed the Kerala government to disburse ₹25 lakh each as interim compensation to flat owners.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra gave the order while expressing its concern over illegal construction in coastal areas and natural disasters that follow due to these activities.

"We do not want Maradu flats' residents to be left in dire straits. But our primary concern is illegal constructions in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas and natural disasters that follow. The flats have to be demolished. If you (government) cannot demolish it, we will ask someone else at your cost to do it," the top court said.

Thereafter the Kerala government proposed a time schedule of 120 days to demolish illegal flats at CRZ in Maradu. The government informed the court that in 90 days demolition activities will be completed and rest 30 days, it will take for cleaning the debris.

The top court opined that shelter, as well as compensation, should be given to flat owners of Maradu.

Directing an interim compensation of ₹25 lakh to the flat owners, the top court said that remainder of the compensation amount may be decided by a committee.

The court ordered to appoint a committee headed by a retired judge, technical and civil experts to oversee demolition and evaluate the compensation payable to the flat owners.

The court also said that money for the compensation amount should be recovered from the respective builders.

The Maradu complex comprises 356 flats in five buildings and houses 240 families. The apex court had on September 6 ordered its demolition by September 20 for violating the CRZ rules.