P.LOGANATHAN Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The temple city of Madurai was included in the smart city project by the Central Government. In order to make the city smart, the Central Government allotted considerable amount. A special service vehicle was incorporated with the Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, as the Managing Director.

(2.) The tender notification issued by the Madurai Corporation for construction of bus stand as part of the smart city project was challenged by the Association of Traders in the name and style of Bharathiyar Vaniga Valagam, Periyar Perunthu Nilayam, Palporul Vanikarkal Munnetra Sangam, on the ground that it would result in evicting the traders who are presently doing business at the Periyar Bus Stand. After filing the said Writ Petition in W.P.No.20571 of 2018, another Writ Petition was filed by the Madurai Periyar Bus Stand - Bharathiyar Shopping Complex Bus stand combined Merchants Welfare Association, in W.P.No.22693 of 2018, to restrain the Madurai Corporation from evicting the members of the Association from their respective shops without giving them alternative accommodation. While so, another Writ Petition was filed in pro bono publico, in W.P.(MD) No.24268 of 2018 directing the Corporation to develop the Periyar Bus Stand under the Smart City Project and provide all the necessary amenities to the passengers. A shop keeper in Bharathiyar Shopping Complex, Periyar Bus Stand, has filed a Writ Petition in W.P.No. 22040 of 2018, not to evict her from the existing shop without providing alternative shop.

(3.) The petitioners in W.P.Nos.20571, 22693 and 22040 of 2018 are not against the development of the Madurai City under the Smart City Project. Their primary concern relates to the eviction of the existing traders and the possibility of their losing the business and thereby the livelihood.