The Madras high court, on Friday evening, had said that licensed brick kilns could restart operations after obtaining specific permission from the district collector. However, none of the 186 sealed brick kilns have license or had obtained permission to restart operations.
After receiving evidence of the kilns restarting operations on Friday, the district administration issued a notice to kiln owners, warning them against restarting operations without permission. “Operating brick kilns, selling or driving out existing stocks of bricks, lending and driving vehicles carrying bricks, all account as offences and the police can take action,” said a statement from the collectorate.
The HC, which said licensed brick kilns could operate with district collector’s permission, also warned the district administration against delaying action against the brick kilns following due processes.
The owners had approached the HC twice after the closure, demanding stay or dismissal of the order.