Chennai:
The Supreme Court will today hear a petition against the October 31 sealing of shops in Chennai's busy T Nagar market (in Ranganathan Street) as per a High Court order. The merchant association has challenged the sealing.
Over 2,500 shops in Ranganathan Street and nearby areas in Chennai remained closed on Thursday protesting the sealing of shops by Corporation of Chennai, alleging that it had resulted in huge economic loss besides affecting the livelihood of scores of persons.
"Even shops stocking perishables have been sealed. Stocks worth crores of rupees are locked inside the shops and many persons have been rendered jobless," said AM Vikrama Raja, head of a traders' federation.
He said Thursday's protest was the first phase of the traders' protest even as speculation was abuzz that more shops could face action from the Corporation.
Over 400 traders' associations planned to submit a memorandum with the state government officials next week on this matter, Mr Raja said.
Following the day-long shutdown, Ranganathan Street - a shopping hub which teems with people - wore a deserted look.
Chennai Corporation had sealed 19 premises, including popular commercial complexes, in the commercial hub of the city dealing with textiles and jewellery, for allegedly constructing unauthorised portions.
The violations included construction of parking lots, construction of third, fourth and fifth floors.
Describing an official status report on the steps taken to demolish unauthorised constructions in the city as "eyewash," the Madras High Court had on October 12 directed authorities concerned to file separate affidavits stating whether they had complied with its earlier directions in this matter.