In a positive development for the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), the Kerala High Court has affirmed that the cricket ground built in Badiadka, Kasaragod, serves a public purpose. The court emphasized that the State government should handle the matter seriously and extended the temporary halt on the ground’s demolition due to alleged encroachment until a final decision is reached. The Principal Secretaries of the Local Self-Government and Revenue Departments have been instructed to make a conclusive determination within four months.
The court clarified that its interim directive preventing coercive actions will remain effective until the government concludes its assessment. This decision was made in response to a petition by the KCA challenging actions taken following a District Collector’s report accusing encroachment on 1.09 acres of government land. The court acknowledged the association’s argument that the report lacked a scientific survey basis.
Furthermore, the High Court suggested that the KCA formally request the government to conduct a scientific survey of the disputed land. If such a request is submitted, the competent authority must conduct a thorough survey, and the government must review the resulting report and sketch before making a final decision. Addressing concerns about alleged encroachment on 40 cents of government-owned canal land during construction, the KCA explained that the land had already been reclaimed at the time of purchase, with no visible canal then. The association also referenced the Collector’s report indicating that the canal diversion did not impact water flow negatively.
Vinod S. Kumar, Secretary of the KCA, expressed relief over the court’s ruling, highlighting that the ground is operational with pitches and practice facilities. Kumar expressed confidence that the situation would be clarified soon.
