Kerala flat demolition: SC orders builders to pay Rs 25 lakh compensation to owners

The Supreme Court of India has directed builders of the illegal flats in Kerala's Kochi to give compensation to the flat owners. Accepting the Kerala government's proposal in this regard, the top court said Rs 25 lakh should be given to each flat owner as an interim payout. The court had earlier ordered the demolition of the Maradu flats, which were constructed in violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

The Kerala government told the court it was going ahead with the plan to demolish the four illegally constructed apartment complexes - H20 Holy Faith, Alpha Serene, Golden Kayaloram and Jain Coral Cove. The apex court said the compensation was not on any compassionate grounds but was the right of the flat owners. The SC has ordered the compensation to be paid in four weeks time.

The government of Kerala said that flats in Maradu will be demolished 120 days. The top court has decided to appoint a  nine-member committee headed by a retired judge and engineering experts to oversee the demolition works of the illegally constructed structures. It also said that the remaining compensation amount payable to the flat owners will be evaluated by the committee and further hearing over the matter will be done on October 25.

The state government prepared the action plan for the demolition on Tuesday (September 24). The demolition of the flats will begin on Saturday (September 28) and is expected to be completed on 9 February 2020.