THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Governor sent a letter to the Chief Secretary yesterday evening seeking the government's explanation for the second time on the bill passed by the Assembly to regularize all constructions other than houses on Pattaya land. This is because an explanation was sought on October 4, but none was received.

Complaints by KC Sudheer Babu, Bharatiya Vicharakendram Secretary, and some people from Idukki, urging the governor to not sign the bill, were sent to the Chief Secretary by the Governor. The governor's action is based on the assessment that most of the illegal constructions in Munnar and hilly areas are commercial establishments and the amendment is intended to protect large constructions and party offices. It is alleged that the bill is intended to bypass the restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court on commercial constructions on Pattaya land.

The district administration had found 226 illegal constructions in 8 villages of Munnar and reported them to the High Court. Most of it is in Pattaya land in Idukki Devikulam taluk. The High Court had stopped the construction of CPM offices in Santhanpara, Udumbanchola and Bison Valley. These irregularities will also be justified by the bill. The Governor also feels that there is no clarity about the quarries and resorts in Pattaya land. At the same time, the final decision will also take into account that the regularization of livelihood constructions will benefit thousands of civilians.

Will sign non-controversial bills

The governor has to sign 7 bills and 2 ordinances. Bills that have no legal issues and are passed as per the central directive may be signed today. The bills that has to be signed are the Co-operative Societies Amendment to make the tenure of the members of the Governing Body of the Co-operative Societies three consecutive terms, the Building Tax Amendment to make luxury tax on buildings an additional tax, the Abkari Act Amendment, the Dairy Farmers Welfare Fund Amendment and the Paddy-Wetland Protection Amendment.

The Municipal and Panchayati Raj Law Amendment Ordinances to impose heavy fines and action against litterers and recommendations to appoint High Court Chief Justice S Manikumar as the Human Rights Commission Chairman and to make Additional Health Director Jose D'Cruz and High Court Advocate H Josh as PSC members have not been accepted.