Kerala HC Orders Munambam Land Dispute Probe, Cites Hidden Motives

The Kerala High Court has greenlit a state government inquiry into the protracted Munambam land dispute. A division bench, comprising Justices S.A. Dharmadhikari and Syam Kumar V.M., ruled that the individuals opposing the commission were acting on behalf of unspecified parties with ulterior motives. This decision overturns a previous single-judge order that had halted the appointment of an inquiry commission. The commission was established to address conflicts involving approximately 600 residents and the Waqf Board regarding land ownership. Residents have raised concerns over challenges in paying land tax and completing mutation registrations, asserting their ancestors acquired the land from Farook College. The dispute originates from a 1950 property gift to Farook College by Siddhique Sait. Subsequently, the Kerala Waqf Board declared the land waqf property, invalidating earlier sales and triggering resident opposition. In November 2024, the state government formed a commission, led by retired Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair, to find a lasting solution for legitimate occupants and those who purchased land from third parties. The High Court questioned the standing of the petitioners, noting they failed to demonstrate direct impact and had not filed a public interest petition despite the creation of third-party rights since 2019. The court suggested the petitioners were concealing the interests of others and attempting to claim property from Farook Management. Notably, the Kerala Waqf Board itself did not challenge the government commission’s legality. The High Court’s verdict allows the inquiry commission to proceed, potentially resolving the long-standing Munambam land issue.