Crosses, temple in revenue land came up after it was taken

The Kerala government Monday informed the High Court that 'crosses' and a temple came up on a land at Panchalimedu in Idukki district of the state after it was taken over from a private party 40 years ago.

A fringe Hindu outfit had recently protested against the erection of crosses on the land. The outfit had alleged that the land was encroached upon by the Catholic church.

The land in Panchalimedu, a hill near Mundakayyam, is considered one of the 18 sacred hills related to Sabarimala and part of the 'Poonkavanam' (sacred forest area) of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple.

The 145 acres of land was part of excess land in