SHRC orders urgent action on violations at apartment 

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed immediate steps to address the flaws detected by multiple government agencies at the PTC Western Ghats Apartment complex near Catholicate College in Pathanamthitta.

In an order, commission member V. Geetha has directed the municipal secretary of Pathanamthitta to ensure that the builder, PTC Builders, rectifies the defects listed in the report within 10 days. Failing this, legal action must be initiated within 15 days under the relevant provisions.

The order noted that the building lacks a functioning liquid waste treatment system and a sanitary waste disposal mechanism. The Pollution Control Board’s operational permit expired in May 2021 and several provisions of the Kerala Municipality Act have been violated. The commission also ordered that all three elevators be made fully operational for emergency use, warning of action by the District Fire Officer if neglected.

Authorities have been asked to clarify whether an occupancy certificate was issued despite objections from the Pollution Control Board, Health Inspector and Fire department. The builder , meanwhile, has been directed to form a residents’ association within 30 days and maintain all shared amenities until then. The complainants have been advised to approach the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority for compensation if promised facilities remain undelivered.