Maradu: Gaurav Agarwal, the Amicus Curiae appointed by the Supreme Court, has clarified that a new building can be constructed legally on the site of the demolished flats in Maradu. He made the statement to reporters after inspecting the sites where the flats had been demolished. A detailed report on this matter will soon be submitted to the Supreme Court.

A team led by Gaurav Agarwal visited the site on Monday morning after examining the documents of the Maradu Municipality. The Supreme Court had appointed the Amicus Curiae to prepare a report on the extent of construction that can be permitted on the land where the flats were demolished.

The state government had earlier submitted a letter to the Supreme Court, stating that Maradu Municipality falls under Category II according to the 2019 Coastal Regulation Zone. The municipality holds the view that construction can be allowed in this category, but with certain restrictions. Justice B.R. Gavai, heading the bench, directed the Amicus Curiae to visit Maradu during the Christmas vacation and prepare a report based on his findings.

Four flat complexes in Maradu were demolished on January 11 and 12, 2020, following a Supreme Court order for violating Coastal Regulation Zone norms. The affected buildings were Jains Coral Cove, Alpha Serene, Holy Faith H2O, and Golden Kayaloram, which together had 343 flat owners.