The Madras High Court has quashed a notice issued by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to the United India Insurance Company Limited (UIICL), calling for the acquisition of a property measuring 837 square meters for its project. The UIICL had challenged the notice, and the court has allowed the petition, ruling that the notice was vitiated due to its violation of Article 14 of the Constitution and the principle of promissory estoppel.
The CMRL had initially proposed to construct a metro station near a temple at Whites Road in Chennai, but later changed its plan after a PIL was filed by the Aalayam Kaapom Foundation. The court had asked CMRL to modify its plan, and it had issued the notice to UIICL, proposing to acquire a portion of its property. The court has now ruled that this notice was issued without due process and in bad faith.
The judge, N Anand Venkatesh, observed that the CMRL’s actions were arbitrary and violative of public interest. He noted that the CMRL had changed its plan solely due to the PIL, rather than considering public safety, convenience, and other technical factors. The judge also expressed hope that the State and the CMRL would realize the true meaning of Swami Vivekananda’s words on the importance of uniting mankind and serving humanity.
The court’s decision is seen as a major setback for the CMRL and a victory for the UIICL. While the court has allowed the UIICL’s petition, it has also noted that the CMRL can proceed with its original plan to construct the metro station at the temple premises, if it so desires. However, the court’s decision is a significant blow to the CMRL’s attempt to acquire the UIICL’s property without due process.