HC stays till May 28 demolition of Abad property in Munnar

Kochi, May 23 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today stayed till May 28 the demolition of the Abad Motels and Resorts property at Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala.

A Division Bench, comprising Justices J B Koshy and K P Balachandran, gave the interim direction on a plea filed by Abad Motels and Resorts Managing Director Riaz Ahmed.

Meanwhile, State Chief Secretary Lizzie Jacob filed a statement in the court, submitting that the action in Munnar and surrounding areas, under a special drive, was being taken in accordance with law and by the authorities competent to do so.

The Chief Secretary's statement, filed as per the court directions of May 15, said the Government had been receiving many complaints regarding bogus 'pattas', illegal construction and encroachment of Government land in Idukki district, particularly Munnar.

The Government had set up two task forces under the Sub-Collectors of Devikulam and Idukki to conduct an inquiry. The decisions regarding the eviction were taken by the respective authorities under the statute, she added.

Meanwhile, in another case, Mr Justice S Siri Jagan stayed the demolition of the property belonging to one H S Nameear in the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) area of Munnar, provided the building was being used for cardamom cultivation. The court also directed the Government Counsel to seek instructions in the matter.

Mr Nameear moved the High Court against the eviction notice issued to him by the Idukki district authorities, pleading that the building in question was being used to store cardamom.

UNI