Kerala High Court Voices Displeasure Over Continued Construction Of CPI(M) Offices In Idukki Despite Interim Order

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday expressed its displeasure with the ongoing construction of the CPI(M) Party Office in Santhanpara, despite an interim order issued the previous day directing such constructions to be suspended.

The Division Bench of Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Sophy Thomas had issued a directive on Tuesday to immediately cease the construction of CPI(M) Offices in Udumbanchola taluk, Idukki if it was found to be violating the orders of revenue authorities. The Court had also mandated the District Police Chief to provide necessary assistance to the District Collector in order to halt the construction.

The Court had issued the interim order upon being informed of the construction of party offices at Bison Valley and Shantanpara, allegedly in violation of the Revenue Department's orders.

When the matter was taken up today, the State Government informed the Court that the District Collector has not been able to take steps in the matter since the copy of the order had not yet been received.

The Bench thus directed the copy of the order to be forwarded immediately to the District Collector. 

As per media reports, the CPI(M) is allegedly constructing its Area Committee office at Santhanpara in violation of the Land Assignment Rules, and despite the issuance of two stop memos by the Village Officer, the construction activities continued unabated. It was following the same that the Court had issued the interim Order yesterday.

The Court has posted the matter for further consideration tomorrow and has directed the Collector to inform about the steps taken by the authority to halt such constructions. 

Case Title: One Earth One Life v. State of Kerala

Case Number: W.P. (C) 1801/ 2010