Vendors of the VOC Flower Market in Salem petitioned the district administration on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) seeking a direct inquiry into alleged irregularities in the functioning of the market and alleged violation of Madras High Court orders by Corporation officials.

In a petition submitted to Collector K. Elambahavath at the Collectorate, the vendors stated that the High Court had directed authorities to constitute a special committee to identify old traders and allot shops in the new premises on a priority basis. The court had also reportedly directed that no public lease should be granted until the process was completed.

However, the petitioners alleged that Corporation violated the order by conducting a public lease and awarding it to an individual named Loganathan. They claimed that repeated petitions submitted to officials, including the District Collector and Corporation Commissioner, had not elicited any action.

According to the petition, a review meeting regarding old traders, scheduled for May 20, based on a notification issued by the Ammapettai Ward Office on May 12, was postponed without explanation. The vendors further alleged that dues payable to the Corporation had not been fully paid and that shops were allotted in excess of the permitted number in violation of Corporation rules. Alleging misuse of power and political influence in the functioning of the market, they urged the Collector to conduct a direct inquiry and ensure implementation of the High Court’s directions.