Kochi Municipality Takes Swift Action After Unauthorized Restaurant Sealing
The Tripunithura municipality in Kochi has suspended revenue inspector Jayasankar and revoked a controversial sealing order issued against a local restaurant. This decisive action came after restaurant owners staged a public protest, alleging serious abuse of official authority and unauthorized administrative overreach.
Controversial Sealing Based on Alleged Tax Dues
The revenue inspector had sealed the restaurant premises, citing pending tax dues amounting to Rs 41,000. However, municipal authorities quickly clarified that this action was taken without proper authorization or procedural oversight. The municipal secretary confirmed that the sealing occurred without his knowledge and without the required approval of the municipal council, prompting immediate corrective measures to address the situation.
Restaurant Owners' Protest and Allegations
Restaurant proprietors Abhilash Devassy and his wife Tintu reported that soon after their establishment was sealed, unidentified individuals attempted to demolish the building on Wednesday. Fearing further property damage and potential loss of their substantial investment, the couple staged a road protest the following day. Their demonstration successfully drew significant public attention to what they described as unjust administrative actions.
According to the restaurant owners:- They invested nearly Rs 80 lakh in constructing their establishment on leased premises
- They had requested additional time from their landlord to vacate the property
- The sealing occurred amid an ongoing contractual disagreement with their landlords
Municipal Investigation Reveals Jurisdictional Issues
A senior municipal official investigating the matter revealed that the land in question does not belong to the municipality. This crucial detail meant the revenue inspector had no legal authority or jurisdictional basis to seal the property. The official emphasized that municipal powers are strictly limited to properties under municipal jurisdiction, making the sealing action legally questionable from the outset.
The decision to suspend revenue inspector Jayasankar was formally made by municipal chairman P L Babu, who acted swiftly to address what municipal authorities described as an unauthorized exercise of power. The municipality's prompt response included both revoking the sealing order and initiating disciplinary action against the official involved.
Broader Implications for Municipal Governance
This incident highlights several important governance issues:
- The necessity of proper authorization for municipal actions
- The importance of jurisdictional boundaries in administrative decisions
- The role of public protest in bringing administrative overreach to light
- The need for clear communication between municipal departments
The municipality's corrective actions demonstrate a commitment to procedural integrity while addressing the immediate concerns of affected business owners. The situation continues to develop as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized sealing and consider further administrative measures.
