KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has permitted the Munambam Judicial Commission to continue functioning for the time being. The division bench issued the order, staying an earlier order by a single bench. The state government had filed a petition seeking permission for the Commission, headed by Justice C. Ramachandran Nair, to resume its work. The government had directed the Commission to provide recommendations that could effectively address the concerns of the people of Munambam. Therefore, the petition stated that it is essential for the Commission to continue functioning.

The Single Bench's order had created uncertainty, prompting the state to request that the Commission be allowed to operate until the Division Bench issued its final verdict. Following this, the Division Bench has now taken a stance favourable to the government. The Commission’s term had expired on February 28, but the government had extended it by another three months. The Commission’s activities were halted after multiple petitions were filed, including in the High Court.

Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair, who heads the Commission, stated that its functioning would resume immediately. He expressed hope that the final report could be submitted by May. The Commission had been inactive for two months. Justice Nair also noted that the amendments to the Waqf Act are unlikely to impact the Commission's work, and even if changes come into effect, individual cases would be decided by the court.

Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty welcomed the verdict, saying they had expected the Commission would be allowed to function. He added that the Single Bench's stay order had created complications, but the stay had no legal standing. He also remarked that the issue could have been resolved without halting the Commission’s activities.