HC permits Govt to proceed against Harrisons Malayalam

The Kerala High court today permitted the government to proceed against plantation company Harrisons Malayalam ltd to recover government land, if any, held by it.
A Division Bench, comprising Justice Thothathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice A V Ramakrishana Pilla issued the direction on a PIL filed by two persons.
The bench clarified that proceedings to takeover land can be taken by resorting to the provisions of land conservancy act.
According to the petitioners, the company was holding large extent of land, including surplus land, spread in eight districts in the state.
The court held that if there was a violation of the provisions of FERA and FEMA, appropriate action can be taken against the company.

Meanwhile, the bench set aside the order the Kanjirapally Additional Tahsildhar's order restraining felling of trees from Cheurpally estate in the possession of Gospel for Asia, a Christian missionary organisation.
The Court said action shall be finalised within two months.