The Kerala High Court, while dealing with a petition highlighting deteriorating road conditions in the State, directed the amicus curiae to examine whether the repair and maintenance works claimed by the Kochi Municipal Corporation had in fact been executed.
The matter came up before Justice Devan Ramachandran, who had earlier summoned engineers responsible for stretches of damaged roads that had allegedly caused multiple accidents. During the hearing, counsel for the Corporation, Advocate Janardhana Shenoy, submitted that works on all major city roads had either been completed or were presently underway. He further relied on a memo dated August 27, 2025, setting out details of the projects undertaken, and contended that summoning engineers at this stage was unnecessary.
Placing the State’s stance on record, Government Pleader KV Manoj Kumar produced a memo enclosing an action-taken report, outlining measures initiated to address erratic traffic and to improve road safety. The Court noted these submissions and emphasised that enforcement against traffic violations must be continuous and not restricted to isolated drives.
On the broader issue of road infrastructure across Kerala, Justice Ramachandran recalled that a comprehensive safety and quality audit had already been directed. Since the State had earlier sought additional time to file reports, the Court refrained from issuing further directions for the moment.
With respect to Kochi city roads, the Court specifically asked the amicus curiae to verify the memo filed by the Corporation, with special reference to the Thammanam–Pullepady stretch, and submit an independent assessment. Stressing the importance of timely execution, the Court directed that engineers and authorities must ensure that road works proceed without undue delay.
The matter has been posted for further consideration on September 11.
Picture Source :
