HC guidelines on allocation of TNHB quarters for govt. staff

Observes that favouritism in allotment could paralyse public administration

MADURAI

Stressing the need for transparency in allotting quarters to government employees, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday put forth a set of guidelines for Tamil Nadu Housing Board to follow while granting allotment to the employees.

Pronouncing orders in a case related to TANGEDCO, Justice S. M. Subramaniam directed it to open an official website in four weeks to enable eligible candidates submit applications for allotment of quarters.

The seniority of applications should be maintained date wise, cadre/class wise. In order to crack down on illegal occupants, the court mooted the formation of a team of officials to conduct inspection and inquiry and collect particulars.

A show cause notice shall be issued asking illegal occupants to vacate the quarters within 60 days and suitable action initiated if the quarters are not vacated within the period. All complaints against illegal occupants shall be acted upon within 30 days, the court said.

The court observed that violations in allotment of quarters would be viewed seriously and suitable disciplinary action taken against erring officials. It further directed the Chairman of TANGEDCO to monitor the implementation of the court direction.

The court was hearing a petition filed by P. Karunamurthy of Thoothukudi who sought to quash the penal rent order passed against him for illegally occupying TANGEDCO quarters in Thoothukudi. The court observed that the petitioner was not entitled to the relief and disposed of the petition.

It observed that instances of employees getting quarters allotted in violation of rules due to favouritism and nepotism were on the rise. Such favouritism could derail the morale of public servants and leave them frustrated. The authorities concerned should keep in mind that such favouritism could paralyse public administration. Confidence building among employees was of paramount importance, the court said.

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