Coconut tree takes legal spotlight after neighbourhood dispute reaches High Court

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “I am the coconut tree that went to court. I am the kalpavriksha of the land. The High Court has said that there should be no more dispute in my name and that the issue should be settled. I am happy about that.”

The tree says that both the owner and the neighbour spent a lot of money on the case to decide whether it should be cut down. The tree adds that it feels like laughing at the situation, as those who consumed its coconuts are the ones who brought the matter to court.

The owner now says he is willing to cut the tree if the expenses he incurred in the case are repaid. The tree also says that if the person who wants it removed changes his mind and moves towards reconciliation, it will continue to live and bear fruit.

The coconut tree is located in the courtyard of Ranjith from Puravoorkonam, Karakulam. The petitioner in the case is neighbour R. Gopinath. In order to settle the dispute over the tree, the High Court referred to the Bible verse: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

The dispute has been going on for the past three and a half years. The neighbour complained that coconuts and leaves were falling onto his property. Although the owner installed a wire fence to prevent this, the demand to cut down the tree continued. Before the dispute, both families were on good terms.

'Can be cut down'
Although the High Court has disposed of the case, the neighbour said he has not yet received a copy of the order and will decide after reviewing it. He also said he has spent a lot of money on fencing and legal expenses. The owner said he may consider cutting down the tree if those expenses are paid.