Chennai: Madras high court has refused to interfere with the lock-and-seal actions initiated against unauthorized homestays in the Nilgiris district. “Since the action of the authorities, particularly Ooty municipal commissioner, is pursuant to the order of a special bench of this court, the same cannot now be interfered with by this court in the present writ petitions,” the first bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan said.If there is any violation and/or non-compliance with the directions issued by the special bench, it is for the petitioners to approach and plead before the said bench seeking intervention. If any order is passed in these writ petitions, the same will affect and/or interdict the proceedings that are being monitored periodically by the special bench, the court added.The bench made the observations while dismissing two petitions moved by Akash Rooms and Cottages and Golden Larch Residency, operating in Ooty. Earlier in Jan, a special bench hearing environmental and forest protection cases directed authorities to take action against homestays functioning without proper permission. Based on the order, municipal authorities sealed unauthorized establishments. Aggrieved, petitioners moved the court, saying the buildings were constructed with approved plans with all statutory approvals and licences.
