Kerala High Court Impleads CPM State Secretary in Petitions Against Nava Kerala Survey
The Kerala High Court, in a significant development on Saturday, impleaded Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary M V Govindan as a party in the petitions challenging the ongoing Nava Kerala Welfare Survey. This survey, conducted by the state government, aims to gather public opinions and suggestions on development and welfare initiatives across Kerala.
Court Proceedings and Petitioners' Arguments
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar allowed the interlocutory applications (IAs) filed by the petitioners, who sought to include Govindan as a party to the petitions. The High Court is currently considering public interest litigations (PILs) filed by KSU state president Aloshious Xaviour and M H Mubas. These petitions challenge the survey on the grounds that its timing, ahead of the state assembly elections, and its funding through public expense, effectively amount to a door-to-door political outreach campaign for the ruling front.
The petitioners have alleged that this grants the ruling front an unconstitutional and unfair advantage, utilizing taxpayer money for political purposes. They argue that such actions undermine the democratic process and violate principles of fair electoral competition.
Key Evidence and Government's Response
During a previous hearing, the petitioners relied heavily on a letter dated September 23, 2025, purportedly written by CPM state secretary M V Govindan. They contended that this letter influenced a subsequent state cabinet decision to form a voluntary organization intended to accommodate LDF supporters. According to the petitioners, this organization is now allegedly being used to conduct the Nava Kerala Welfare Survey, linking it directly to political activities.
In response, advocate general K Gopalakrishna Kurup, representing the state government, submitted that the government was not in a position to verify the authenticity of the letter. He further pointed out that the party secretary had not been impleaded as a party to the petitions at that stage, highlighting a procedural gap in the legal arguments presented by the petitioners.
Court's Decision and Future Proceedings
Subsequently, the petitioners filed interlocutory applications specifically seeking to implead M V Govindan as a party to the petitions. The High Court allowed these applications, thereby formally adding Govindan to the case. This move is expected to bring more clarity to the allegations regarding the survey's political connections and ensure all relevant parties are represented in the legal proceedings.
The court has adjourned the matter to February 5 for further hearings, where additional arguments and evidence are likely to be presented. This case continues to draw significant attention due to its implications for electoral integrity, government accountability, and the use of public funds in Kerala.
