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16. The Court held that though the municipal laws permit deviations from sanctioned constructions being regularised by compounding but that is by way of exception. Only such deviations deserve to be condoned as are bona fide or are attributable to some misunderstanding or are such deviations as where the benefit gained by demolition would be far less than the disadvantage suffered. Other than these, deliberate deviations do not deserve to be condoned and compounded. Compounding of deviations ought to be kept at a bare minimum. The cases of professional builders stand on a different footing from an individual constructing his own building. A professional builder is supposed to understand the laws better and deviations by such builders can safely be assumed to be deliberate and done with the intention of earning profits and hence deserve to be dealt with sternly so as to act as a deterrent for future. The application for compounding the deviations made by the builders should always be dealt with at a higher level by a multi-membered High Power Committee so that the builders cannot manipulate. The officials who had connived at unauthorised or illegal constructions should not be spared. In developing cities, the strength of staff which is supposed to keep a watch on building activities should be suitably increased in the interest of constant and vigilant watch on illegal or unauthorised constructions. The Court observed that the High Court if it feels that illegal/unauthorised building activities are so rampant as to be noticed judicially, may suo motu register a public interest litigation and commence monitoring the same by issuing directions so as to curb such tendency and fixing liability and accountability.

25. In RANI -VS- KRISHNAN (1994-II-MLJ 186), K.A.Swami, C.J. has held that in view of express provisions of sections 48 and 56 of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, unauthorised construction cannot be allowed to be used by owner or lessee pending consideration of application for permission submitted by the owner.

26. The catena of decisions referred to above unwaveringly show that the word environment is of broad spectrum which brings within its ambit hygienic atmosphere and ecological balance. It is, therefore, not only the duty of the State, but also the duty of every citizen to maintain hygienic environment. There is constitutional obligation on the State Government and the Municipalities, not only to ensure and safeguard proper environment, but also an imperative duty to take adequate measures to promote, protect and improve both man-made and natural environment. The municipal laws regulating the building construction activities have been enacted to achieve a larger purpose of public health, safety and general welfare. Any violation of zoning and regulation laws, takes a toll in terms of public welfare and convenience being sacrificed apart from the risk, inconvenience and hardship which is posed to the occupants of the building. Though municipal laws permit deviation from sanctioned constructions being regularised by compounding but that is by way of exception. Only such deviations deserve to be condoned as are bona fide or are attributable to some misunderstanding or are such deviations as where the benefit gained by demolition would be far less than the disadvantage suffered. Other than these, deliberate deviations do not deserve to be condoned and compounded. At the time of planning, experts in the field of town planning take into account various aspects, such as, healthy living, environment, lung space need, land use intensity, areas where the residential houses are to be built and where the commercial buildings are to be located, the need of household industries etc. Regularising the constructions erected in violation of the regulations has serious consequences. Regularisation in many cases for the violation of the front setback, will not make it easily feasible for the Corporation to widen the abutting road in future and bring the incumbent closer to the danger of the road. The waiver of requirement of side set back will deprive adjacent buildings and their occupants of light and air and also make it impossible for a fire engine to be used to fight fire in a high-rise building. The violation of the floor space index, will result in undue strain on the civil amenities such as water, electricity, sewage collection and disposal. The waiver of requirements regarding fire stair case and other fire prevention and fire fighting measures would seriously endanger the occupants resulting in the building becoming a very veritable death trap. The waiver of car parking and abutting road width requirements would inevitably lead to congestion on public roads causing severe inconvenience to the public at large. Such grant of exemption and the regularisation is likely to spell ruin for any city as it affects the lives, health, safety and convenience of all its citizens. The Court cannot remain a mute spectator when the violations also affect the environment and healthy living of law-abiders. If the laws are not enforced and the orders of the Court to enforce and implement the laws are ignored, the result can only be total lawlessness.