Section 257P in Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919
257P. Alternative power of commissioner to make standard plan, to purchase or acquire cheri or hutting ground and to carry out improvements himself or through purchaser or lessee.
(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 257-J and 257-0, the [standing committee] [Substituted far 'central committee' by Tamil Nadu Act 22 of 1971.] may, after receipt of a report made under section 257-1 with respect to any cheri or hutting ground, and after giving an opportunity of being heard to the owner or owners thereof, pass a resolution to the effect that the cheri or hutting ground is an unhealthy area and that in its opinion, the purchase or acquisition of the cheri or hutting ground, or of any portion thereof, is necessary for the purpose of making the improvements referred to in the said report.(2)When any such resolution has been passed, the commissioner shall make a plan for the improvement of the said cheri or hutting ground or portion thereof, together with such estimates as may be necessary for a due understanding of the same, and may then purchase or acquire the said cheri, hutting ground or portion, and such plan shall be deemed to be the standard plan of the cheri or hutting ground.(3)When any cheri or hutting ground or portion of a cheri or hutting ground has been so purchased or acquired, the commissioner shall as soon as is reasonably practicable, either-(a)sell or lease the same or part thereof to any person for the purpose and under the condition that he will, as regards the land so sold or Teased to him, carry out the improvements shown in such standard plan, or(b)himself bring the said cheri, hutting ground or portion or any part of the same which has not been sold or leased under clause (a), into conformity with such standard plan, or(c)take measures for the erection of sanitary dwellings for the working classes or for the poorer classes, or for both, on such land.(4)Whenever the commissioner desires to sell or lease under sub-section (3) any cheri or hutting ground or any portion thereof, he shall, on application made on that behalf, give to the person from whom the same was purchased or acquired, or his heirs, executors or administrators, a preferential right to purchase or take on lease such cheri, hutting ground or portion at such rates and on such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the [standing committee] [Substituted far 'central committee' by Tamil Nadu Act 22 of 1971.], if the [standing committee] [Substituted far 'central committee' by Tamil Nadu Act 22 of 1971.] considers that such right can be given without detriment to the carrying out of the purposes of this Act. If more than one person so applies, the [standing committee] [Substituted far 'central committee' by Tamil Nadu Act 22 of 1971.] shall determine which of such persons shall have the preferential right under this sub-section to purchase or take on lease such cheri or hutting ground or portion.
