The Kerala High Court quashed the government order which introduced amendment to the Kerala Panchayat Building Rules, 2019.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice A.J. Desai and Justice V.G. Arun disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed with the prayer:-
-To declare that GO (P) NO.10/2023/LSGD SRO No. 101/2023 dated 17-01- 2023 which introduces amendment to the Kerala Panchayat Building Rules, 2019 is unconstitutional.
-To declare that the construction works done by the sixth respondent (Private Company) pursuant to the intimation for the erection of Telecommunication Towers/poles/ structures/ accessory rooms are illegal and liable to be demolished.
- To issue a writ of mandamus or any other writ, order or direction directing the fifth respondent to take steps within such time as directed by the Court to demolish the structures constructed by the sixth respondent pursuant to the intimation for the erection of Telecommunication Towers/ poles/structures/ accessory.
Considering the manner in which proceedings is passed by the 4th respondent (District Telecom Committee) , the Court opined that the same is required to be quashed and set aside.
Hence, the petition is disposed of by the High Court with the following directions:-
(i) proceedings (Government order) are quashed.
(ii) The 4th respondent shall consider and pass a reasoned order on the representation made by the petitioner along with the other residents of the area where the tower is constructed and commissioned, after giving an opportunity of hearing to all concerned.
(iii) It will be open for the petitioner to file an objection before the 4th respondent.
(iv) The 4th respondent shall decide the case strictly in accordance with law, uninfluenced by any of the earlier proceedings.
(v) The petitioner’s right to challenge the constitutional validity of the government order at the appropriate time is left open.