Government suffers setback in High Court; order dissolving Milma Thiruvananthapuram Union quashed

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has quashed the state government's decision to dissolve the Milma Thiruvananthapuram Regional Union. The court observed that the government had failed to follow the mandatory procedural requirements while dissolving the union. The High Court division bench also ordered the immediate reinstatement of the former governing body, replacing the administrative rule. This directive came on an appeal filed by members of the governing body.

Although a single bench had earlier upheld the government order in a petition, the division bench delivered the new verdict on an appeal filed against it. The court's order states that the elected governing body was ousted without following due procedures. Such a dissolution is permitted only after conducting consultations and issuing a show-cause notice. The court pointed out that no such procedural steps were taken on the part of the government.

The government had dissolved the governing body alleging fabrication of records. However, the High Court division bench did not accept this. The court's verdict also clarified that the government can issue a new order after hearing the governing body members and following due procedures. The state government had dissolved the LDF-ruling Milma Thiruvananthapuram Union citing irregularities in the ghee supplied to Sabarimala.