Court Doesn't Have Technical Expertise: Kerala HC Closes 'Metro Man' Sreedharan's Plea To Change Alignment Of Thiruvanaya–Thavanoor Bridge

The Division Bench led by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S. Manu was considering the petition filed by E. Sreedharan to consider realigning the Thiruvanaya-Thavanur Bridge across the Bharathapuzha River. He submitted that the proposed bridge divides the Holy Trinity between the Vishnu Temple at Thiruvanaya in Malappuram district on the north bank of Bharathapuzha river from the temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu at Thavanur on the south bank of the river He submitted that proposed bridge would thus affect 'religious sanctity' and hurt religious sentiments of Hindu devotees.

The Court said that the alignment of the bridge is a matter that involves technical expertise, including the topography of the region.

The Bench observed: “It is not possible for us to assume expertise in this subject and issue Writ of Mandamus to change the alignment of the bridge.”

The Court however took note of the expertise and experience of the petitioner and directed the authorities to implement his suggestions if they find it feasible. The petition will be placed before the Principal Secretary of Public Works Department whereby the Secretary can consider the suggestion made by Sreedharan.

The petitioner had offered his technical assistance free of cost to the State in the petition. His counsel submitted before the Court that the petitioner was willing to personally appear before the Secretary to give his suggestions. On this submission, the Court said that is open to the Secretary to request the appearance of the petitioner either personally or through video conference.

Counsel for the Petitioner: Advocates Sajith Kumar V., Vivek A. V.,, Sreehari V. S.,

Counsel for the Respondents: Advocates Chandrasekharan Nair, Resmitha R. Chandran

Case No: WP(C) 31375/ 2024

Case Title: E. Sreedharan v State of Kerala and Others

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 610