Is the Court Ruling a Major Obstacle for Kerala's Minister? Sabarimala Airport Project Faces Doubts
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Synopsis
Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan downplays the implications of a recent court ruling on the Cheruvally Estate, asserting that it does not hinder the state's plans for the Sabarimala airport. This article explores the legal intricacies and future prospects of the airport project amidst ongoing challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The court ruling does not affect land ownership.
- The Sabarimala airport project remains a priority for the state government.
- Procedural issues were highlighted by the court.
- The government plans to analyze the judgment before deciding on future actions.
- Previous legal challenges have affected the project timeline.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 19 (NationPress) Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan on Monday attempted to minimize the impact of the Pala sub-court decision regarding the Cheruvally Estate, emphasizing that the ruling does not signify a setback for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led State government.
The Pinarayi Vijayan administration is proceeding with the initiative, which, once approved, will become the fifth airport in the state.
He noted that the court raised only procedural issues and did not provide a definitive ruling on the ownership of the land designated for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield airport.
In response to questions from the media following a visit to the township under construction in Wayanad, the Minister stated that the government would thoroughly analyze the judgment before determining the next steps.
“The ruling concerns procedural matters. It is not a ruling on land ownership,” Rajan clarified.
Earlier, the Pala court dismissed the government’s petition asserting ownership over 2,263 acres of land at the Cheruvally Estate, determining that the land belongs to the Ayyana Charitable Trust.
The court rejected the State’s claim that the lease period for the estate had lapsed and that the land had reverted to the government.
This development has once again cast uncertainty over the future of the Sabarimala airport project, as the government can only proceed with acquisition if it successfully overturns the ruling in a higher court.
The Cheruvally Estate, which spans Erumeli South and Manimala villages, was identified as the key land parcel for the proposed airport.
The State contended that, according to the 1910 Settlement Register, the land was classified as government lease land and that Harrison Malayalam had unlawfully transferred it to the Trust.
However, the court accepted the Trust’s argument that it possesses legitimate documents proving ownership.
This case, which dates back to 2019, involves the Ayyana Charitable Trust of the Believers Church and Harrison Malayalam as respondents.
The ruling is significant given the earlier setbacks the government faced, including the Kerala High Court nullifying land acquisition notifications for the airport due to excessive and inadequately justified land requirements under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
Point of View
The recent court ruling on the Cheruvally Estate underscores the complexities of land ownership and government initiatives. While the Kerala government remains resolute in its plans for the Sabarimala airport, the legal hurdles reflect broader issues of procedural integrity and land acquisition policies that resonate across the nation.
NationPress
19/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent court ruling about?
The Pala sub-court ruled that the land at Cheruvally Estate belongs to the Ayyana Charitable Trust, dismissing the Kerala government's claim of ownership.
How does this ruling impact the Sabarimala airport project?
The ruling casts uncertainty over the Sabarimala airport project as the government can only proceed with land acquisition if it successfully appeals the decision in a higher court.
What did the Kerala Revenue Minister say about the ruling?
Minister K. Rajan stated that the ruling concerns procedural issues and does not determine land ownership, expressing confidence in moving forward with the airport project.
