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Nizarudheen vs State Of Kerala
2025 Latest Caselaw 8474 Ker

Citation : 2025 Latest Caselaw 8474 Ker
Judgement Date : 9 September, 2025

Kerala High Court

Nizarudheen vs State Of Kerala on 9 September, 2025

Author: N.Nagaresh
Bench: N.Nagaresh
                                           2025:KER:66359



        IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                        PRESENT

          THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.NAGARESH

TUESDAY, THE 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025/18TH BHADRA, 1947

                WP(C) NO. 29169 OF 2024

PETITIONER:

         NIZARUDHEEN
         AGED 48 YEARS
         SON OF ABDUL SALAM ZEENA MANZIL,
         CHATHINAMKULAM, CHANDANATHOPE P.O,
         KOTTAMKARA VILLAGE, PIN - 691014

         BY ADV. SRI.PEEYUS A.KOTTAM



RESPONDENTS:

    1    STATE OF KERALA
         REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY,
         HOME DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT,
         THIRUVANATHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2    SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, KOLLAM
         DISTRICT POLICE HEADQUATER, KOLLAM, RURAL,
         KOTTARAKKARA, KERALA, PIN - 691506

    3    STATION HOUSE OFFICER, EZHUKONE
         EZHUKONE POLICE STATION KOLLAM,
         EZHUKONE - NEDUMANKAVU ROAD,
         KERALA, PIN - 691505
                                                 2025:KER:66359
W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

                                 :2:


     4     PRADEEP KUMAR
           AGED 58 YEARS
           SON OF MURALEEDHARAN PULARISERYIL,
           THALAVOORKONAM P.O KOTTARAKARA,
           PIN - 691506

     5     RAJAN S
           SON OF SUKUMARAN THALAVOOR
           KUZHIMATIKAVALA P.O KAREEPARA,
           PIN - 691509

           BY ADVS.
           SRI.KALEESWARAM RAJ
           SMT.CHINNU MARIA ANTONY
           SMT.APARNA NARAYAN MENON
           SMT.AMMINIKUTTY, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR
ADMISSION ON 21.05.2025, ALONG WITH WP(C).32716/2024 AND
THE COURT ON 09.09.2025 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                2025:KER:66359
W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

                                 :3:




          IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                              PRESENT

             THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.NAGARESH

 TUESDAY, THE 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025/18TH BHADRA, 1947

                     WP(C) NO. 32716 OF 2024

PETITIONERS:

     1     PRADEEP KUMAR,
           AGED 56 YEARS
           S/O.MURALI MANOHAR, PULLANISSERIL,
           THALAVOOR KONAM, KUZHIMATHICAUD P.O.
           KOTTARAKARA, KOLLAM DISTRICT,
           PIN - 691509

     2     RAJEEV S.,
           AGED 48 YEARS
           S/O.SUKUMARAN K, RAJU MANDIRAM,
           THALAVOOR KONAM, KUZHIMATHICAUD P.O.
           KOTTARAKARA, KOLLAM DISTRICT,
           PIN - 691509

           BY ADVS.
           SRI.KALEESWARAM RAJ
           KUM.THULASI K. RAJ
           SMT.APARNA NARAYAN MENON
           SMT.CHINNU MARIA ANTONY


RESPONDENTS:

     1     STATE OF KERALA,
           REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY,
           GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, SECRETARIAT,
                                                 2025:KER:66359
W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

                                 :4:


           THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001
     2     SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT,
           DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
           THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
           PIN - 695001

     3     KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT,
           REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY,
           GRAMA PANCHAYAT KARYALAYAM,
           KAREEPRA VILLAGE, KOLLAM,
           PIN - 691509

     4     NIZARUDHEEN,
           AGED 48 YEARS
           S/O.ABDUL SALAM ZEENA MANZIL,
           CHATHINAMKULAM, CHANDANATHOPE P.O.
           KOTTAMAKARA VILLAGE,
           KOLLAM, PIN - 691014

           BY ADVS.
           SRI.M.R.SASITH
           SRI.PEEYUS A.KOTTAM
           SMT.AMMINIKUTTY, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR
ADMISSION ON 21.05.2025, ALONG WITH WP(C).29169/2024 AND
THE COURT ON 09.09.2025 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                                  2025:KER:66359
W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

                                        :5:




                                                                        CR



                             N. NAGARESH, J.

            `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
               W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

            `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
               Dated this the 9th day of September, 2025


                              JUDGMENT

~~~~~~~~~

W.P.(C) No.29169/2024 has been filed by

the petitioner, who is constructing a plywood factory in his

property. The petitioner seeks to command the police to

provide adequate police protection to the petitioner, his

employees and vehicles coming to the petitioner's factory

premises for carrying the construction work as per Ext.P1

Building Permit without any hindrance or obstructions from

respondents 4 and 5 and their men.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

2. W.P.(C) No.32716/2024 has been filed by

the said respondents 4 and 5 seeking the following reliefs:

(i) To strike down Section 191(4) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 as unjust, illegal and unconstitutional;

(ii) To declare that Section 191(4) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 is not to be invoked for the purpose of constructing of the plywood factory owned by the 4th respondent as mentioned in Ext.P1 in Kareepra Grama Panchayat;

(iii) To issue a writ of certiorari quashing ExtP16 GO a3 unjust, illegal and arbitrary;

Alternatively:-

(iv) To declare that Section 191(4) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act does not empower the Government to pass unreasoned orders, without hearing the affected persons including the Panchayat;

(v) To issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to refrain from constructing and operating the plywood factory owned by the 4 th respondent as mentioned in Ext.P1 in Kareepra Grama Panchayat;

(vi) To issue such other orders, directions or writs as may be prayed for under the facts and circumstances of the case;

(vii) To dispense with filing of the translation of vernacular documents.

(viii) To issue a writ of certiorari quashing Exts.P18 and P19 as unjust, illegal and arbitrary;

(ix) To strike down Section 2 of the Kerala Investment Promotion and Facilitation (No.2) Act, 2018 (Ext.P20) to the extent it does not contemplate or provide for a refusal by the Panchayat to grant or issue permission for the construction of a factory, 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

workshop or workplace;

(x) To strike down S. 233(3) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act as unconstitutional, to the extent to which it does not allow the Panchayat to refuse license for any factory, workshop, workplace etc. and S.233(4) to the extent to which it does not specify for a contingency of refusal of license by the Village Panchayat.

(xi) To strike down clause 8(c) of Ext.P21 to the extent it does not contemplate or provide for a refusal by the Panchayat to grant or issue permission for the construction of a factory, workshop or workplace;

(xii) To strike down Rule 12(3) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Issue of Licence to Factories, Trades, Entrepreneurship activities and other services) Rules, 1996 to the extent it does not contemplate or provide for a refusal by the Panchayat to grant or issue permission for the construction of a factory, workshop or workplace.

3. The parties and exhibits are referred to in this

judgment as they are described and marked in W.P.(C)

No.29169/2024, for clarity. As the eligibility of the petitioner

to get police protection would depend upon the challenges

made by respondents 4 and 5 in W.P.(C) No.32716/2024, the

said writ petition is firstly dealt with.

4. Respondents 4 and 5 state that they are

residents of Kareepra Grama Panchayat and are aggrieved by 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

the construction of a plywood factory in the Panchayat by the

petitioner. The petitioner proposed to construct the plywood

factory in the beginning of 2024 and Ext.P1 Building Permit

was issued by the Panchayat. The Ministry of Micro, Small

and Medium Enterprises has issued Ext.P2 Udyam

registration and the Pollution Control Board has issued Ext.P3

Consent to Establish.

5. The respondents filed a Suit in the Munsiff's

Court, Kottarakkara as OS No.305/2024 seeking permanent

prohibitory injunction against starting the plywood factory. The

Munsiff's Court initially passed Ext.P5 interim injunction order

dated 12.07.2024. Ext.P6 report of the Advocate

Commissioner appointed in the said OS would show that the

petitioner had suppressed existence of a water stream and

certain other details in the site plan, while obtaining licences.

Coming to know of the facts, the Panchayat issued Ext.P7

Stop Memo dated 15.07.2024.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

6. When the petitioner filed W.P.(C)

No.27439/2024 challenging Ext.P7 Stop Memo, the

Panchayat Secretary recalled the Stop Memo as per Ext.P9

order dated 06.08.2024. The petitioner thereafter filed W.P.

(C) No.29169/2024 seeking police protection to carry on the

construction. This Court granted Ext.P10 interim order dated

06.09.2024.

7. Respondents 4 and 5 stated that there is a

farm pond constructed with the assistance of the Panchayat

near the proposed plywood factory. The pond is used to

irrigate the surrounding paddy fields which is the livelihood of

several nearby inhabitants. Establishment of plywood factory

would pollute the farm pond denying drinking water to the

locals and destroying the crops.

8. There is a stream of water flowing from the

western side of the factory land which was not shown in the

site plan. There is a water pump house and a well 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

constructed under a Government project is situated alongside

the water pump house. The well is hardly 3 metres away from

the factory premises. Supply pipelines are passing through

the 3 metre wide road leading to the proposed plywood

factory.

9. Representations against the plywood factory

were submitted to the Grama Panchayat and the District

Collector. The Panchayat Committee, as per Ext.P14

proceedings, decided to revoke Building Permit granted to the

petitioner in view of the harmful effects caused to the

environment and health hazards to the nearby residents.

Ext.P14 superseded the Building Permit issued to the

petitioner.

10. On 22.08.2024, as per Ext.P16, the

Government issued an order staying the resolutions of the

Panchayat, relying on Section 191(4) of the Kerala Panchayat

Raj Act. The respondents submit that when the Government 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

invokes Section 191(4), they are bound to hear the Panchayat

Members. The Members were not heard when Ext.P16 was

issued.

11. Pursuant to the judgment in W.A.

Nos.154/2025 and 164/2025, the issue was referred to the

Local Self Government Tribunal. The Tribunal held that

resolutions issued by the Panchayat cancelling the Building

Permit given to the petitioner are illegal. Consequently, the

Government issued Ext.P19 GO dated 06.03.2025 revoking

Exts.P14 and P15 orders issued by the Panchayat.

Respondents 4 and 5 are challenging Exts.P16, P18 and P19

Government Orders.

12. Counsel for respondents 4 and 5 submitted

that Section 191 of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act empowers

the Government to stay any resolutions passed by the

Panchayats by way of interim measure, without issuing any

notice to the Panchayat. Section 191 is illegal and 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

unconstitutional to the extent it does not provide for issuance

of any notice to the Panchayat before granting interim stay

orders.

13. The counsel further submitted that there are

certain basic requirements enumerated in sub-clause (a) to

sub-clause (d) of Section 191 which should exist to invoke

Section 191. None of these grounds existed in the present

case. The resolution of the Panchayat ought to have been left

to be challenged by the aggrieved parties. In this case, the

Secretary of the Panchayat invoked Section 191 arbitrarily.

When Section 276(5)(b) provided for appeal, the Secretary

was not justified in invoking Section 191.

14. Ext.P16 order of the Government is bad in

law and therefore Ext.P19 Government Order should go. The

very reference of the issue to the Government and to the

Tribunal is vitiated. Assuming that the statutory provision

Section 191 is not unconstitutional, even then the exercise of 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

power of reference by the Secretary is vitiated, in the facts and

circumstances of the case.

15. Proviso to Section 182(iii) gives a complete

scheme laying down the procedure to exercise the power

under Section 191. The procedure contemplates placing of

the objection of the Secretary to the Panchayat before the

Panchayat Committee. In the present case, the Secretary

failed to place the matter before the Council.

16. The counsel for respondents 4 and 5 further

submitted that the amended Section 233 of the Panchayat Raj

Act does not give a discretion to the Panchayats to refuse

licence. Section 233 as it stands amended is arbitrary and

unconstitutional. The Full Bench judgment of this Court in

Pavithran v. State of Kerala [2009 (4) KLT 20 (FB)] will not

be of any help to the petitioner when challenge is made to

Section 233, because there was no challenge to Section 233

in the case decided by the Full Bench. If Section 233 is 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

sustained, the Local Self Government Institutions will be

forced to issue licences to industries even if such industries

are highly pollutant. Under Sections 166 and 233(3), the

Panchayats have a duty to abate pollution. Section 233 is not

consistent with Section 166 and Section 233(3).

17. The Kerala Investment Promotion and

Facilitation Act, 2018 also cannot stand the scrutiny of law as

the said Act, 2018 has amended so many provisions of

various Acts by one stroke. Respondents 4 and 5 therefore

challenged the provisions of the Kerala Investment Promotion

and Facilitation Act to the extent it amends the Panchayat Raj

Act. Ext.P16 order of the Government is therefore unjust,

illegal and arbitrary and is liable to be set aside, urged the

counsel for the petitioner.

18. The petitioner opposed W.P.(C)

No.32716/2024 filing counter affidavit. Permission was

granted to the petitioner to construct and run a plywood 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

factory. Respondents 4 and 5 filed OS No.305/2024 in the

Munsiff's Court, Kottarakkara to get a prohibitory order to

prevent the petitioner from continuing construction of factory.

The Munsiff made it clear that the petitioner can continue with

the construction if he has all valid required licences.

19. The plywood factory is situated in a vast

extent of property having 3 Acres and 45 Cents of land. The

factory building has been given a setback of 35 metres on the

front, 51.49 metres on rear side and 27.80 metres and 25

metres on the two sides of the building. Though the Village

Officer issued a stop memo, the same was recalled.

20. The petitioner contended that the Panchayat

Committee cannot take a view contrary to that of other

statutory authorities. The Single Window Clearance Board

headed by the District Collector considered the joint inspection

report in respect of the inspection conducted in the presence

of General Manager, DIC, District Town Planner, Deputy 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

Director of Panchayat, Ecologist under Water Department and

the Pollution Control Board and the Committee found that all

precautions are taken by the petitioner for preventing any

pollution. The Single Window Clearance Board, considering

the afore report, found that all the precautions are taken by

the petitioner for preventing pollution.

21. The petitioner refuted the allegation that the

Engineer, who sanctioned the grant of Building Permit, has

done so without carrying field inspection. Under Section

191(2) of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, the only mandate

before cancelling or amending the resolution or decision is

that the Government may refer the matter for consideration

either to the Ombudsman or to the Tribunal for Local Self

Government Institutions. Accordingly, the Government

referred the matter for consideration of the Tribunal. The writ

petition is therefore without any merit and is only to be

dismissed.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

22. The 2nd respondent-Secretary to Government

(in W.P.(C) No.32716/2024) also filed a counter affidavit. The

2nd respondent submitted that the Secretary of the Grama

Panchayat reported that application for Building Permit was

accompanied with NOC from the Pollution Control Board,

other documents and the building plan. The Assistant

Engineer, LSGD reported that the plan was as per KPBR,

2019. The permit was issued as per site inspection.

Therefore, it is illegal to cancel the permit given to the

petitioner. The Secretary also brought to the notice of the

Panchayat Committee the clearance given by the District

Single Window Clearance Board. It was on the basis of the

afore facts that it was decided to stay the resolution passed by

the Kareepra Grama Panchayat and to refer the matter to the

Tribunal for LSGI. The Tribunal will give its report after notice

to the Panchayat and therefore there is no violation of the

principles of natural justice, urged the 2nd respondent.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

23. I have heard the learned counsel for the

petitioner, the learned Government Pleader representing

respondents 1 to 3, the learned counsel for respondents 4 and

5 and the learned counsel appearing for the Grama

Panchayat.

24. Respondents 4 and 5 have already filed a

suit in the Munsiff's Court, Kottarakkara as OS No.305/2024.

The Munsiff's Court initially passed Ext.P5 interim injunction

order, which was subsequently withdrawn/modified.

Respondents 4 and 5 argued that Section 191 of the Kerala

Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 empowers the Government to pass

interim order staying the operation of resolutions passed by

the Panchayats without notice to the Panchayats. The

Panchayats are having first hand information regarding the

facts leading to their decisions. Therefore, the Government

shall not stay the operations of such resolutions passed by the

Panchayats without notice to the Panchayats. The power 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

granted to the Government to grant stay orders in the manner

provided in Section 191 is arbitrary and illegal to that extent.

25. Section 191 of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act,

1994 provides for power of the Government of cancellation

and suspension of resolutions. Section 191 reads as follows:

191. Power of cancellation and suspension of resolutions etc. -

(1) Government may either suo moto or, on a reference by President, Secretary or a member, or on a petition received from a citizen, cancel or vary a resolution passed or a decision taken by the Panchayat if in their opinion such decision or resolution-

(a) is not legally passed or taken; or

(b) is in excess of the powers conferred by this Act or any other law or its abuse; or

(c) is likely to endanger human life, health public safety, communal harmony or may lead to riot or quarrel; or

(d) is in violation of the directions or provisions of grant issued by Government in the matter of implementing the plans, schemes or programmes.

(2) Before cancelling or amending a resolution or decision as per sub-section (1), the Government may refer the matter for consideration either of the ombudsman constituted under section 271 G or the tribunal constituted under section 271S and the ombudsman or the tribunal, as the case may be; after giving the panchayat an opportunity of being head, send a report to the Government with its conclusions and the Government may, on its basis cancel, amend 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

or confirm the resolution or decision. (3) If another remedy is available to the petitioner through the tribunal under section 276, the Government shall not consider any petition for cancelling or amending any resolution or decision of the Panchayat.

(4) If Government consider that a resolution or decision of the Panchayat has to be cancelled or amended as per sub-section (1) it may suspend such resolution or decision temporarily and may direct the panchayat to defer its implementation till the final disposal after the completion of the procedure under sub-section (2).

Section 191(2) provides that before cancelling or amending a

resolution or decision as per sub-section (1), the Government

may refer the matter for consideration either of the

Ombudsman or the Tribunal for Local Self Government

Institutions. The Ombudsman or the Tribunal after giving the

Panchayat an opportunity of being heard, sent a report to the

Government with its conclusion and the Government may, on

its basis, cancel, amend or confirm the resolution or decision.

As per sub-section (4) of Section 191, if Government

considers that a resolution or decision of the Panchayat has to 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

be cancelled or amended, it may suspend such resolution or

decision temporarily and may direct the Panchayat to defer its

implementation till the final disposal after the completion of the

procedure under sub-section (2).

26. Section 191 of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act

therefore contemplates an opportunity of hearing to be

granted to the Panchayat, by the Ombudsman or Tribunal, as

the case may be, before a report is sent to the Government. If

after considering such report, which is prepared complying

with the principles of natural justice after hearing the

Panchayat concerned, then no further opportunity of hearing

need be given to the Panchayat before the Government takes

a decision. On the other hand, if the Government takes a

decision opposed to or contrary to the report given by the

Ombudsman or Tribunal, then the Government will have a

duty to hear the Panchayat to defer from the report of the

Ombudsman/Tribunal while taking final decision.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

27. The contention of respondents 4 and 5 is that

Section 191 is arbitrary to the extent it denies opportunity of

hearing to the Panchayats while suspending the resolution or

decision temporarily under sub-section (4) of Section 191.

The Government will exercise that power of suspension of

resolution or decision on an interim basis, only when the

Government considers prima facie that a resolution or

decision of the Panchayat has to be cancelled or amended.

Even then, before taking a final decision, the Panchayats will

be getting an opportunity of hearing by the Ombudsman or

Tribunal. The Act, 1994 thus gives power to the Government

to suspend a resolution passed or decision taken by the

Panchayat in exceptional cases. Even in such exceptional

cases, the Panchayats will be getting an opportunity of

hearing before any final decision is taken. It is to be noted

that the powers of the Panchayats are confined to those

provided under Sections 166 and 167 of the Kerala Panchayat 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

Raj Act and any other power or function delegated to the

Panchayats by the Government. Therefore, I do not find any

illegality or arbitrariness in the powers to pass interim orders

granted to the Government under Section 191(4).

28. The petitioner would contend that the proviso

to Section 182(iii) gives a complete Scheme laying down the

procedure to exercise the power under Section 191. The

procedure contemplates placing of the objection of the

Secretary to the Panchayat before the Panchayat Committee.

The Secretary has failed to place the matter before the

Council, contends the petitioner.

29. Section 192 provides for the powers and

functions of the Secretary of a Panchayat. Section 182(iii)

mandates that the Secretary as Executive Officer of the

Panchayat shall carry into effect resolutions of the Panchayat,

provided that where the Secretary is of the opinion that any

resolution passed by the Panchayat has not been legally 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

passed or is in excess of the powers conferred by this Act or

any other Act or is likely to endanger human life, health or

public safety, if implemented, he shall request in writing to the

Panchayat to review the resolution and express his views at

the time of its review by the Panchayat. If the Panchayat

upholds its previous decision, the matter shall be referred to

the Government.

30. Ext.P14 minutes of the meeting of the

Panchayat Committee would indicate that when the

Panchayat decided to cancel the building permit granted to

the petitioner, the Secretary to the Panchayat has given his

opinion disagreeing with the resolution. It is evident from

Ext.P14 that the Secretary has given his opinion against the

resolution as contemplated under proviso to Section 182(iii).

The arguments of respondents 4 and 5 based on Section 182

are therefore unsustainable.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

31. The further argument is that Section 233 of

the Panchayat Raj Act does not give a discretion to the

Panchayats to refuse licence and hence it is arbitrary and

unconstitutional. Respondents 4 and 5 would urge that in the

Full Bench judgment of this Court in Pavithran (supra), there

was no challenge to Section 233. If Section 233 is sustained,

the Panchayats will be forced to issue licences to industries

even if such industries are highly polluted. Respondents 4

and 5 would urge that under Sections 166 and 233(3), the

Panchayats have a duty to abate pollution.

32. Section 233 provides that no persons shall

without the permission of the Village Panchayat and except in

accordance with the conditions specified in such permission,

construct or establish any factory, workshop or workplace

using steam power, water power or other mechanical power or

electrical power or install any machinery or manufacturing

plant driven by any power as aforesaid.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

33. Sub-section (3) to Section 233 mandates that

the Secretary or authorised officer, on receipt of application for

permission, enquire and report to the Panchayat whether the

establishment of factory, workshop or workplace or other

installation, is objectionable by reason of density of population

in the neighbourhood and possibility to cause nuisance or

pollution and the Panchayat after considering the reports may

as expeditiously as possible at any rate within 30 days grant

permission either absolutely or subject to such conditions, as it

thinks fit to impose.

34. It is clear from Section 233(3) that the

Panchayat has no power to deny permission for construction

of factory or for installation of machinery. Based on the

reports, the Panchayat, however, can grant permission subject

to such conditions as it thinks fit to impose. It is to be kept in

mind that any such factory/installation would require

consent/clearance from the statutory Pollution Control Board 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

authorities if those machinery or installations are likely to

result in any kind of pollution including sound pollution.

Pollution Control Boards being experts in the field of air,

sound and water pollution, their decision should be given due

weightage. The legislature therefore felt that the Panchayats'

power should be limited to imposing conditions on the basis of

which permission can be granted for construction of factories

and installation of machinery. The challenge made by

respondents 4 and 5 on Section 233 is therefore

unsustainable.

35. Respondents 4 and 5 challenge the Kerala

Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act, 2018 contending

that the said Act has amended many provisions of various

Acts by one stroke. The Kerala Investment Promotion and

Facilitation Act, 2018 has been enacted to give effect to

certain proposals of the Government to avoid delay in granting

various licences, permissions, approvals and clearances 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

required various enactments and to provide for incidental

matters.

36. The Act, 2018 amends certain provisions of

the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960,

the Kerala Headload Workers Act, 1978, etc. The Act, 2018

has been made with a laudable object. The amendments so

made do not directly affect respondents 4 and 5. In the

circumstances, challenge to the Kerala Investment Promotion

and Facilitation Act, 2018 by respondents 4 and 5 is only to be

rejected.

37. On the basis of the reference order of the

Tribunal for Local Self Government Institutions, the

Government has issued GO dated 06.03.2025 revoking

Exts.P14 and P15 orders issued by the Panchayat. I do not

find any illegality in Exts.P16, P18 or P19 orders passed by

the Government or the Tribunal. The petitioner is entitled to

construct and run his factory as long as the petitioner holds 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

valid licences and permits.

W.P.(C) No.32716/2024 is therefore

dismissed. W.P.(C) No.29169/2024 is disposed of

commanding respondents 2 and 3 therein to provide adequate

police protection to the petitioner and his employees as well

as the vehicles coming to the petitioner's factory premises for

carrying out the construction work as per Ext.P1 building

permit, without any hindrance or obstructions from

respondents 4 and 5 and their men and agents.

Sd/-

N. NAGARESH, JUDGE aks/03.09.2025 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

APPENDIX OF WP(C) 29169/2024

PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 THE TRUE COPY OF THE BUILDING PERMIT BEARING NO. SC3-BA (204211)/2024 DATED 18.06.2024 ISSUED BY THE KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT Exhibit P2 THE TRUE COPY OF UDYAM REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE BEARING NO. UDAYAM-KL-06- 008702 Exhibit P3 THE TRUE COPY OF THE CONSENT TO ESTABLISH ISSUED BY THE KERALA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD DATED 06.04.2024 IN THE NAME OF PETITIONER'S PROPRIETARY CONCERN NAMED M/S. APPLE VALLEY PLY WOODS Exhibit P4 THE TRUE COPY OF THE PLAINT IN O.S. NO 305/2024 BEFORE THE MUNSIF COURT KOTTARAKARA Exhibit P5 THE TRUE COPY OF THE INJUNCTION ORDER PASSED BY THE LEARNED MUNSIFF, KOTTARAKKARA DATED 12.07.2024 Exhibit P6 THE TRUE COPY OF THE STOP MEMO NO.SC3- 3339/24 DATED 15.07.2024 ISSUED BY THE KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYATH Exhibit P7 THE TRUE COPY OF THE INTERIM ORDER IN W.P.(C) 27439/2024 DATED 01.08.2024 PASSED BY THIS HON'BLE COURT Exhibit P8 TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDING NO. SC3-

3339/24 DATED 06.08.2024 OF THE SECRETARY, KAREEPARA GRAMA PANCHAYAT Exhibit P9 THE TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED 05.08.2024 Exhibit P10 THE TRUE COPY OF THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT RECEIPT DATED 12.08.2024 TOWARDS THE RECEIPT OF EXT-P9 REPRESENTATION ISSUED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

Exhibit P11 THE TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT STAYING EXHIBIT R4(E) DATED 22.08.2024 Exhibit P12 TRUE COPY OF JOINT INSPECTION REPORT SIGNED BY K.S.SIVAKUMAR, GENERAL MANAGER, DISTRICT INDUSTRY CENTER, KOLLAM DATED 23.10.2024 Exhibit P13 THE TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER BEARING NO. 622/2025/LSGD DATED 06.03.2025 SETTING ASIDE THE ORDER OF THE PANCHAYATH Exhibit P14 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 22.01.2025 IN W.A.NO. 164/2025

RESPONDENTS' EXHIBITS

Exhibit R4(a) TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 08.07.2024 SUBMITTED BEFORE THE SECRETARY/PRESIDENT, KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT.

Exhibit R4(b)         TRUE   COPY     OF   THE    REPRESENTATION
                      SUBMITTED      BEFORE      THE     DISTRICT

COLLECTOR, KOLLAM DATED 18.07.2024.

Exhibit R4(c)         TRUE   COPY     OF   THE    REPRESENTATION
                      SUBMITTED    TO    THE   KAREEPRA     GRAMA
                      PANCHAYAT DATED 29.07.2024.
Exhibit R4(d)         TRUE   COPY    OF   THE   PROCEEDINGS    OF
                      COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE KAREEPRA
                      GRAMA PANCHAYAT DATED 07.08.2024
Exhibit R4(e)         TRUE COPY OF KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT
                      DECISION 09.08.2024 ISSUED BY THE
                      PRESIDENT
Exhibit R4(f)         TRUE     COPY      OF     THE      ADVOCATE
                      COMMISSIONER'S           REPORT          IN

O.S.NO.305/2024 IN I.A.NO.3/2024 DATED 11.07.2024 Exhibit R4(g) A COPY OF INTERIM ORDER DATED 13.09.2024 IN WP(C)32716/2024 Exhibit R4(h) TRUE COPY OF THE RESEARCH ARTICLE TITLED 'A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

PLYWOOD FACTORY EFFLUENTS ON THE WATER QUALITY OF RECEIVING STREAMS AND NEARBY WELLS IN PERUMBAVOOR, KERALA, INDIA' AUTHORED BY ATHIRA M AND GIGI K.JOSEPH.

2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

APPENDIX OF WP(C) 32716/2024

PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE BUILDING PERMIT BEARING NO.SC3-BA(204211)/ 2024 DATED 18.06.2024 ISSUED BY THE RESPONDENT PANCHAYAT Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF UDYAM REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE BEARING NO. UDAYAM-KL-06- 008702 Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE CONSENT TO ESTABLISH ISSUED BY THE KERALA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD DATED 06.04.2024 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE PLAINT IN OS NO.305/2024 BEFORE THE MUNSIFF COURT, KOTTARAKKARA Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE INJUNCTION ORDER PASSED BY THE LEARNED MUNSIFF, KOTTARAKKARA DATED 12.07.2024 Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE ADVOCATE COMMISSIONER'S REPORT IN O.S.NO.305/2024 IN I.A.NO.3/2024 DATED 11.07.2024.

Exhibit P7            TRUE COPY OF STOP MEMO NO.SC3-3339/24
                      DATED    15.7.2024      ISSUED      BY    THE
                      RESPONDENT PANCHAYAT
Exhibit P8            TRUE COPY OF INTERIM ORDER DATED
                      1.8.2024 IN WP (C ) NO.27439/2024
                      PASSED BY THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF
                      KERALA
Exhibit P9            TRUE COPY OF PROCEEDING NO.SC3-3339/24
                      DATED   6.8.2024     OF    THE    SECRETARY,
                      KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT
Exhibit P10           TRUE COPY OF INTERIM ORDER IN WP (C)

NO.29169 /2024 DATED 06.09.2024 PASSED BY THIS HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA Exhibit P11 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 08.07.2024 SUBMITTED BEFORE THE SECRETARY/PRESIDENT, KAREEPRA GRAMA 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

PANCHAYAT Exhibit P12 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BEFORE THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, KOLLAM DATED 18.07.2024 Exhibit P13 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 29.07.2024 SUBMITTED TO THE KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT Exhibit P14 TRUE COPY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT DATED 07.08.2024 Exhibit P15 TRUE COPY OF KAREEPRA GRAMA PANCHAYAT DECISION 09.08.2024 ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT Exhibit P16 TRUE COPY OF ORDER G.O. (RT)NO.1561/2024/LSGD DATED, 22-08- 2024 ISSUED BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT Exhibit P17 TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON JUDGMENT DATED 22.01.2025 IN WA NOS.154/2025 AND 164/2025 PASSED BY THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA.

Exhibit P18 TRUE COPY OF REFERENCE ORDER NO.01/2024 DATED 06.02.2025 PASSED BY THE HON'BLE LSGI TRIBUNAL.

Exhibit P19 TRUE COPY OF G.O(RT) NO.622/2025/LSGD DATED 06.03.2025 ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT.

Exhibit P20 TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF KERALA INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND FACILITATION (NO. 2) ACT, 2018.

Exhibit P21 TRUE COPY OF G. O. (P) NO.

80/2017/LSGD DATED 31.10.2017.

RESPONDENTS' EXHIBITS

Exhibit R4 THE TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT REPORTED IN 2023 (4) KHC 484 (SINOJ THOMAS VS.BALAL GRAMA PANCHAYATH) Exhibit R4(a) THE TRUE COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE SINGLE WINDOW CLEARANCE BOARD MEETING HELD ON 12.09.2024.

Exhibit R4(b) THE TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER IN I.A 2025:KER:66359 W.P.(C) Nos.29169 and 32716 of 2024

2/2024 DATED 09.01.2025 Exhibit R4(c) THE TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON JUDGMENT IN W.A.NO. 154/2025 DATED 22.01.2025 Exhibit R4(d) THE TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER BEARING NO. 622/2025/LSGD DATED 06.03.2025 SETTING ASIDE THE ORDER OF THE PANCHAYATH,

 
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