AWHO moves HC against panel directive to take possession of Chanderkunj Army Towers in Kochi
DC Committee had directed AWHO to take possession of the apartments from owners before demolition; AWHO claims the towers and apartments are no longer under its ownership or possession
The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) has contested before the Kerala High Court a directive from the Ernakulam District Collector's committee to take possession of the Chanderkunj Army Towers before their planned demolition. The single judge, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, has summoned the company awarded the demolition contract and postponed the hearing until October 14 for further deliberation.
The AWHO argued that they no longer owned or possessed the towers, and thus had no obligation to collect keys from owners or issue certificates in a specific format. The district collector intended to enter into the demolition contract, having previously decided that the Tahsildar would assume possession. The AWHO contended that accepting keys and signing certificates would bring legal complications and jeopardize ongoing litigation, including cases before the Supreme Court.
The High Court had authorized demolition and reconstruction of the problematic towers B and C, while the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) had ordered the AWHO to compensate owners for internal fixtures. Ongoing disputes regarding these orders were currently before the Supreme Court, and accepting possession would harm the AWHO's interests in these pending legal matters.
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