Well done Maymol! After HC heroics, Kothamangalam native wins praise from Supreme Court

KOCHI: Don't you remember Maymol P. Davis, who won a case against the Forest Department for negligence in the High Court? The research student had earlier argued for compensation for the agricultural land given to Rebuild Kerala Development Program (RKDP) and won the case. Maymol is back in the news again. That too for appearing in the Supreme Court. Earlier, if it was for her own needs, then this time she argued for the people of 33 villages who were going through the same situation.

Maymol did not just argue but ensured justice for them all. Without a law degree, Maymol (35), the daughter of the late Davis and Molly of Kurbanappara Thrikkariyoor in Kothamangalam, stormed the court citing valid points. After hearing the arguments, the Supreme Court praised Maymol, calling her wiser than paralegal volunteers.

Maymol and her cancer-stricken mother Molly, along with 155 families in the area, handed over their land to the Forest Department under the RKDP due to wildlife encroachment. Despite submitting an application on August 22, 2023, they did not receive compensation. Maymol then approached the High Court. Last year, a single bench directed the Forest Department to pay the compensation within three months. Thus, she won Rs 45 lakh. Maymol again approached the High Court with a petition seeking compensation for others in 33 villages and urging that this verdict be applied to them as well. The petition reached the Supreme Court when the division bench rejected it. Although the appeal was not allowed, the bench of Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana praised Maymol for her efforts. Maymol has a master's degree in history and archaeology and NET.

The Supreme Court directed the Forest Department to take action within one month on the applications of those who need compensation and directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure legal assistance to them. Maymol is clearly aware of the facts of this case. The court allowed Maymol permission to intervene while preparing pleadings and also observed that Maymol can help the lawyer.