Consider plea to provide basic facilities in Aranthangi weekly market: HC

Madurai: Madras high court has directed the authorities to consider and pass orders on a plea seeking to provide basic facilities at the weekly market in Aranthangi in Pudukottai district.The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Senthil, president of the Aranthangi Vaarachandai Viyabarigal Nala Sangam.

The petitioner stated that the weekly market, which serves as a major commercial centre for traders, agriculturists, and residents of nearly 50 surrounding villages, lacks basic amenities such as toilet facilities, drinking water, electricity, lighting arrangements, and permanent infrastructure.The absence of these facilities has caused severe hardship to traders and the public, adversely affecting business activities and livelihoods.

Despite submitting representations seeking to provide basic amenities, no effective action was taken by the authorities. Hence, the petitioner moved court seeking a direction to the authorities to provide basic amenities including permanent toilet facilities, drinking water facilities, electricity connections, lighting arrangements and other infrastructural facilities.A division bench of justice N Sathish Kumar and justice M Jothiraman directed the authorities to consider and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, after affording an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties. Such exercise shall be completed within a period of three months, the judges directed and disposed of the petition.