PIL asks Madras High Court to halt proposed Chennai Assembly complex

The Madras High Court is scheduled to hear a public interest petition seeking the cancellation of Tamil Nadu’s proposed Legislative Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex at Pattinappakkam, also known as Foreshore Estate, in Chennai. The petition is listed for admission on October 5 before the First Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan.

Chennai-based advocate R.S. Tamilvendan has filed the plea. Tamilvendan said the proposed complex would be built on 25.55 acres belonging to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board.

According to the petition, the land had been intended for low-cost housing. The petitioner said he was responding to reports that the State government had given in-principle approval for the project. The petition argues that the Assembly and Secretariat should continue functioning from Fort St.

George, where they have been located for decades. It describes the present site as well connected to Chennai’s central railway station, the Madras High Court buildings, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and other public facilities. The petitioner said the Fort St.

George buildings could be renovated instead of constructing a new complex at an estimated cost of ₹1,200 crore. He made the argument while claiming that the State government was facing a severe financial crisis. The plea also raises concerns about the possible effect of construction on fishermen living in and around Pattinappakkam.

It says the project could lead to heavy traffic congestion in the locality. Tamilvendan said he had submitted a representation to government authorities on September 12 and that it had been considered. He has asked the court to direct the government to abandon the plan and to stay construction until the petition is finally decided.

The source material does not state whether construction has begun or whether the government has filed a response.