KOCHI: The High Court has ordered an enquiry into the land dealings of religious and charitable organisations in the state and to take strict action. For this, a committee should be formed chaired by Chief Secretary.

“The committees working in each district under the charge of collectors and other revenue officers can seek the help of forest department officials for this purpose. A report should be submitted within six months after conducting a survey to find encroachments. The State Government can make laws by including strict guidelines. It is the responsibility of the central and state Governments to protect the public land. Land dealings of all community organizations should be investigated”, clarified Justice P Somarajan. The court severely criticized the government for not following the directive to take strict action against the land mafia.

The court stated this while considering the Syro-Malabar church land deal case involving Cardinal George Alencherry. “The investigation conducted by the revenue department had found some irregularities in the land deal case. It is unfortunate that the situation is favourable for the land mafia. There are also ways of illegal transfer of property in pretext of charity service. Encroachment still continues on government lands. Many organizations have grown to the level of controlling government systems. The democratic system should not be affected because of this,” states the order.

The court accused that community organisations are taking over government land and earning title deeds as they have share on the vote bank and criticised that political leaders are supporting this. “Further investigation and transparent action are required. A detailed investigation should not be delayed as the violations are a challenge to the democratic system and to the equality and freedom guaranteed by the Constitution to all citizens,” said the court.