Wayanad rehabilitation; Relief for govt, land for township can be measured and assessed from tomorrow, says HC

KOCHI: The plea filed by owners against the move to acquire estate land for the victims of Wayanad, has been dismissed. The Kerala High Court dismissed the pleas filed by Harrison Malayalam Limited and Elstone Tea Estate. The high court also ordered that the land can be measured and assessed from tomorrow. The owners filed the plea against the government’s move to construct a township for the victims of Wayanad. The detailed hearing on it was completed on November 26. A bench led by Justice Kauser Edappagath issued the order Friday morning. The high court said the land of Harrison Malayalam Limited and Elstone Tea Estate can be acquired by the government without any legal obstacles. The court also announced some conditions in this regard. According to the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, the company owners must be given necessary compensation. If there are any hurdles, the companies can proceed legally. The company owners were also instructed not to obstruct the government when they come to measure and assess the land and asked them to provide all necessary assistance. The high court also directed that the full compensation amount should be paid before the land is fully acquired. The high court's action will provide great relief to the government and disaster victims.