RDO fined ₹25,000 for repeatedly defying land conversion orders; Kerala High Court praises Kerala Kaumudi

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on Muvattupuzha Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) V.E. Abbas for repeatedly violating court directions in a land conversion case. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan also commended Kerala Kaumudi for faithfully reporting an earlier court order on its front page.

The action came while considering a petition filed by Manu Antony, a resident of Cheranalloor. Abbas, while serving as RDO of Kanayannur, had earlier rejected the petitioner's application seeking removal of his land from the Data Bank. Hearing the challenge against that order, the High Court observed that "90 per cent of officers act without understanding the reasons behind their decisions" and directed the RDO to reconsider the application. However, instead of complying with the court's directions, the RDO issued another order reiterating his earlier decision.

Pursuant to the court's directions, the Sub-Collector at Kakkanad also examined the application but rejected it again. The High Court quashed both orders and disposed of the petition, directing that the application be reconsidered afresh within two months.

The court ordered Abbas to deposit the ₹25,000 fine with the Medical Aid Scheme of the High Court Advocates' Association within one month. If he fails to do so, the amount must be recovered from his salary. The court also directed that departmental action be initiated against him for dereliction of duty. It further instructed the Chief Secretary to ensure that court judgments are properly communicated to government officials.

High Court expresses complete trust in Kerala Kaumudi

The High Court observed that Kerala Kaumudi had brought the truth to light through its reporting. On July 16, the newspaper carried on its front page the court's order stating that the RDO would have to be arrested and produced before the court if he failed to appear. The report also carried Abbas's response, in which he claimed that although he had handed over an affidavit, the Government Pleader had not submitted it before the court. Government Pleader Jomon Antony clarified that no such affidavit had been received.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan said the court had complete faith in the report published by Kerala Kaumudi, describing it as a widely circulated newspaper in the State. The judge noted that the newspaper, founded in 1911, has a legacy spanning more than a century and had merely discharged its journalistic duty.

The court observed that the RDO had misled the court. The judge noted that the RDO had now informed the court in writing that he had submitted only a representation, which was not fit to be filed before the court. Attempting to escape responsibility by blaming the advocate, the judge said, amounted to a challenge to the judicial system and could not be permitted.

The court also observed that the penalty imposed in the present case should serve as a warning to officials who fail to comply with court orders.