Whether Disciplinary Action Was Initiated Against Former Deputy Tahsildar For Issuing Bogus Title Deeds: Kerala High Court Asks Govt

The Division Bench comprising Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S.Manu observed thus:

“We specifically direct the Government Pleader to get instructions whether any crime has been registered against Sri.M.I.Raveendran referred in the order and also to get instructions whether any disciplinary action has been initiated against the afore-said Sri.M.I.Raveendran.”

The Court passed the above order while considering cases about the utilization and encroachment of ecologically sensitive areas in the Munnar and Idukki districts. The leading case is a Public Interest Litigation filed back in 2010 to restrict and prevent illegal constructions in Munnar and Idukki districts. The petition was filed to prevent illegal land encroachments, identify encroachers and to conduct inquiry into the genuineness of title deeds.

The Court perused a Government order issued on January 18, 2022, whereby it revoked more than 530 pattas which was illegally issued by M I Ravindran by misusing his authority as a Deputy Tahsildar.

In Earlier proceedings, the Court had sought instructions regarding action taken against revenue officials who manipulated revenue records to create bogus patta.

The Court stated that many issues of land encroachments and illegal title deeds were not brought before it. It also stated that no action was taken against government officials under the anti-corruption laws.

The Court considered the possibility of entrusting the investigation of illegal encroachments to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or other agencies. It was also considering the possibility of conducting a court-monitored investigation through a continuous mandamus for supervision.

Case Title: One Earth One Life v State of Kerala

Case Number: WP(C) NO. 1801 OF 2010 & Connected Cases

Click here to read/download the Order