Pollachi traders associations staged a shop closure protest on August 13 against the sealing of commercial buildings alleged to have violated construction rules in Mahalingapuram and New Scheme Road areas.
Coimbatore: Traders in Pollachi staged a massive protest on Sunday by shutting down their shops in response to the municipal administration's recent action of sealing commercial buildings alleged to have violated construction norms.
The protest comes in the wake of a Madras High Court order directing the Pollachi Municipal Administration to seal buildings constructed without proper permits for commercial use in Mahalingapuram and New Scheme Road areas. The court order was issued following a case filed in 2018 by a Pollachi resident named Krishnakumar.
Acting on the court's directive, the municipal administration began sealing the alleged violating structures on July 11. This action has sparked outrage among the local business community, who claim that the sealing of shops is causing significant hardship to traders.
The protest saw widespread participation from various trader associations, including small business owners. Shops in Mahalingapuram, New Scheme Road, and Kadai Veedhi areas remained closed, leaving these usually bustling commercial zones deserted.
Demonstrators gathered at Rajeswari Thidal, demanding that the sealing of commercial complexes be halted immediately. They also urged the Tamil Nadu government to intervene and find a permanent solution to the issue.
In a show of solidarity, private hospitals in Pollachi suspended outpatient services for the day, adding weight to the traders' protest.
The protesting merchants raised slogans against the sealing action and emphasized the need for a resolution that balances legal compliance with the economic interests of the local business community. As the standoff continues, both traders and municipal authorities await further developments in this contentious issue.