KOCHI: The Kerala High Court ordered a status quo on the functioning of Cinepolis multiplex at the Centre Square Mall here till Tuesday. The court also directed the Ernakulam District Collector to file a statement.
The multiplex can now function till further orders from the court.
The HC order on Friday came on a petition filed by Centre Square Mall seeking to quash the District Collector’s closure order
According to the petitioner, the Collector passed the order based on the representation made by Divisional Officer, Fire and Rescue, Ernakulam citing lack of safety measures. It said the sixth, seventh and eighth floors of the building did not have the final fire no objection certificate (NOC).
The petitioner said the decision of Fire and Rescue Department had been challenged before the HC and the court stayed the order rejecting NOC. The Collector attempted to circumvent the HC order by issuing the latest order to close down the multiplex. The Collector had acted illegally and there was non-application of mind while issuing the order, the petition said.