KOCHI: The High Court has said that it is not against the K-Rail project or its survey and asked why survey stones are being laid by fearing people. The survey is required to be conducted legally. Justice Devan Ramachandran, while considering a series of petitions, asked whether the govt did not see the social impact of laying of stones while conducting social impact study.

The petitions were adjourned till today for detailed argument after the government informed that the petitions against the survey proceedings were being considered by the Supreme Court.

The court asked if the laying of stone was necessary for the social impact study and if other signs were not practical. Stones can be placed according to survey rules. But if the citizens feel that this is not legal, the court cannot faill to intervene. When the court asked why the K-Rail authorities were insisting on such survey stones, the parties explained that the K-Rail Director had ordered to lay stones in which K-Rail was imprinted. The court directed to produce this order.

References of the Court

There are several projects being implemented in the country and state. None of them have such problems. The court is not political as it addresses this issue.

Are land owners properly informed that they are coming for a survey? Don't you give them at least some time to dress nicely when it comes to surveys? Why so hasty?

How many people lost their land and houses when land was acquired for NH development? But law was followed then. Any complaints at that time?

The survey should be conducted in accordance with the law. The landlord should be trusted.