The Supreme Court on Friday directed that the demolition of flats built on the coastal zone of Kochi’s Maradu be completed in 138 days, according to the schedule provided by the Kerala government.

The apex court also directed the payment of Rs 25 lakh as interim compensation by the state government to each flat owner within four weeks.

The court ordered the setting up of a one-member committee of a retired high court judge to oversee the demolition and assess total compensation.

A bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra and S. Ravindra Bhat directed the freezing of assets of builders and promoters who were involved in the construction of illegal buildings in the coastal zone areas of Kochi.

The bench added that the government may consider recovering the interim compensation amount from builders and promoters.