K-Rail: Was notice issued before installing survey stones? High Court seeks clarification from government on four issues

KOCHI: The High Court has asked the central and state governments to clarify four key points regarding the SilverLine project. The court sought clarity on whether a notice was issued before installing the survey stones, whether the size of the stones was legal, whether the rail was passing through Puducherry and whether permission was obtained to conduct a social impact study.

Justice Devan Ramachandran inquired into the matter in a petition considered by the single bench. The Centre was asked to explain as the project was considered to be a joint venture between the central and state governments. People are being intimidated in the name of the social impact study. The problem is placing large stones in the name of the survey. The court also stated that the banks will hesitate to lend money if they find such large stones.

However, K-Rail officials explained that they have the power to enter private land to determine the boundary and conduct a survey of the land notified for the project. The survey was not conducted to intimidate anyone. The police arrived to protect the officials who were conducting the survey. K-Rail officials explained that protesters had attacked the officials and caused damage to equipment in several places.