Contempt Petition Filed Against Former Chennai Corporation Commissioner for Non-Compliance
Contempt plea moved against former Chennai Corporation Commissioner Kumaragurubaran
Image: The Hindu
The Madras High Court has issued a notice to J. Kumaragurubaran, former Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, in a contempt case regarding non-compliance with a court order on accessibility bollards. Activist Bhavana Botta claims that the bollards obstruct wheelchair movement, violating guidelines for universal accessibility.
- 01The Madras High Court has set a deadline of July 2, 2026, for J. Kumaragurubaran to respond to the contempt petition.
- 02The petition was filed by disability rights activist Bhavana Botta, citing non-compliance with a September 2023 court order.
- 03The previous court order mandated modifications to bollards obstructing wheelchair access, as per the Harmonized Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021.
- 04The court had previously disposed of a public interest litigation after assurances from the Advocate General regarding necessary rectifications.
- 05Botta claims that no rectification work has been undertaken since the court's order, leading to the contempt plea.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Madras High Court has issued a statutory notice to J. Kumaragurubaran, the former Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, in response to a contempt of court petition filed by Bhavana Botta, a disability rights activist. The court has directed Kumaragurubaran, who is now the Secretary for Commercial Taxes, Registration, and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, to respond to the petition by July 2, 2026, but has waived the requirement for his personal appearance at this time. The contempt petition alleges that Kumaragurubaran failed to comply with a court order from September 12, 2023, regarding bollards that obstruct wheelchair access on various pavements in Chennai. These bollards were found to be in violation of the Harmonized Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021. Previously, the court had disposed of a public interest litigation after the Advocate General assured that the authorities would modify the bollards. However, Botta contends that no such modifications have been made, prompting her to seek contempt proceedings against Kumaragurubaran.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The outcome of this case could significantly affect accessibility for disabled individuals in Chennai.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe the court's decision will improve accessibility for disabled individuals in Chennai?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.