In a significant victory for the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), the Kerala High Court has extended the interim stay on the demolition of the cricket ground in Badiyadka, Kasaragod. The court emphasized that the ground serves a public purpose and directed the state government to treat the matter with utmost seriousness.
The High Court ruled that the stay on demolition, citing alleged encroachments, will remain in effect until a final decision is reached. Local self-government and revenue department principal secretaries have been ordered to resolve the issue within four months. This order came in response to KCA’s petition challenging actions initiated based on the district collector’s report, which accused the association of encroaching on 1.09 acres of government land.
The court accepted KCA’s argument that the collector’s findings lacked a scientific survey. It permitted KCA to formally request a scientific survey of the disputed land from the government. Should such a request be made, the appropriate authorities must conduct a proper survey, and the government is required to review the direct report and sketches before finalizing any decision.
Addressing claims of encroachment on 40 cents of puramboke canal land during construction, KCA informed the court that the land was already occupied when purchased, with no canal visible at the time. The association referenced the collector’s report, which stated that canal diversion had no adverse impact on water flow.
KCA Secretary Vinod S. Kumar expressed relief, stating, ‘This decision is a relief for KCA. We are confident that things will be clarified. The ground is functional, equipped with a pitch and practice pitches.’
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding sports infrastructure while ensuring due process in land dispute resolutions. Cricket enthusiasts in Kerala await the final outcome, hoping the ground continues to nurture local talent.