WIN-MARADU-FLATS-(Read-Only)
The Maradu municipality is to issue notices to the owners to vacate their flats, following the Supreme Court verdict to demolish flats constructed violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. In a complementary move, the local also invited tenders from experienced contractors to demolish the apartment complexes of Holy Faith, Kayaloram, Alfa Ventures, Holiday Heritage and Jain Housing in Maradu. Image Credit: Supplied

Kerala's Maradu flats to go as SC declines owners' plea

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined a plea filed by five apartment owners in the Maradu complex in Kochi seeking a stay on the demolition of the "illegal" building.

The court said it will not stay the demolition and the owners will be compensated as per its order on September 27.

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern at the suffering of the Maradu flats residents saying that they cannot be left in dire straits and directed the Kerala government to disburse Rs 2.5 million (Dh130,305) each as interim compensation to the flat owners within four weeks.

A bench of Justice Arun Mishra and Justice S. Ravindra Bhat gave the order while expressing concern over illegal construction in coastal areas and natural disasters that follow due to these activities. The top court asked the authorities to submit a list of flat owners.

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.