Kerala High Court Firm on Deadline for Konthuruthy River Encroachment Clearance
The Kerala High Court has delivered a decisive ruling, dismissing an application by the Kochi Corporation that sought an additional year to remove all encroachments on the Konthuruthy River puramboke. The court has sternly directed the corporation to adhere to the four-month time limit stipulated in its earlier order, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Background of the Contempt Petition
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar passed this order while considering an interlocutory application filed by the Kochi Corporation. This application was part of a contempt of court petition initiated by K J Tomy of Konthuruthy, who alleged non-compliance with the High Court's 2020 directive.
Tomy highlighted that in its 2020 judgment, the High Court had granted the corporation one year to remove the encroachments after rehabilitating the occupants. However, even after five years, no concrete action had been taken, prompting the contempt proceedings.
Court's Previous Directives and Corporation's Plea
During a hearing in December 2025, the High Court had directed the corporation to remove all encroachments on the river puramboke, with police assistance, within a strict four-month timeframe. In response, the corporation filed an interlocutory application seeking an extension of one year.
The corporation cited several reasons for this request, including the failure to reach an agreement on compensation. Encroachers were reportedly demanding Rs 19 lakh each, a sum substantially higher than the amount offered by the state government. Additionally, the corporation pointed to the recent assumption of office by a newly elected council and the upcoming state assembly election as factors complicating timely action.
High Court's Firm Rejection and Observations
Despite these arguments, the High Court rejected the request outright. The bench noted that three months still remained for compliance with the original order, and sufficient opportunity had already been provided to both the corporation and the state government to implement the directive.
The court observed that both respondents ought to have taken adequate measures for the augmentation and allocation of funds for rehabilitation. It underscored the importance of timely action to restore the river's navigability.
Quoting the Earlier Order
The bench reiterated a key passage from its earlier order, stating: "Under any circumstances, encroachments on the river puramboke shall be removed within the stipulated time to make the river navigable, after rehabilitating the encroachers within the said period by the state government and Kochi corporation." This reinforces the court's commitment to environmental and legal compliance.
The bench has adjourned the contempt petition to May 18 for further proceedings, keeping the pressure on the authorities to act swiftly.
