Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 10-09-2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Thrikkalayoor Devaswom
- Respondents: State of Kerala & others
- Petition Numbers: Special Leave to Appeal (C) No. 31197/2026; IA No. 263725/2026 (exemption from filing O.T.)
- Origin: Appeal against the final judgment and order dated 15-06-2026 in WP(C) No. 28002/2026 passed by the High Court of Kerala, Ernakulam.
- Reliefs Sought in the Writ Petition before the High Court:
1. Certiorari and Quash of:
- Exhibit‑P2 Patta No. 4354/1976 issued in O.A. No. 8042/75
- Exhibit‑P8 Patta No. 6040/1976 issued in O.A. No. 12224/75
Both pattas were on the file of the Deputy Collector (Land Reforms), Malappuram. The petitioner alleged that the pattas are invalid, void, and non est because they were issued in violation of the Kerala Land Reforms Act, Tenancy Rules and Vesting and Assignment Rules framed thereunder.
2. Mandamus directing the third respondent (the State) to constitute a Special Investigation Team to investigate the alleged scam/fraud surrounding the issuance of Exhibits‑P2 and P8 pattas and further illegalities highlighted in Exhibits‑P6 and P7 (reports/proceedings of the Village Officer, Keezhuparambu, and the Tahsildar, Ernad, Malappuram District). The team was to submit a report to the Court.
- High Court Action: The High Court examined only relief (a) (the certiorari and quash) and completely ignored relief (b) (the mandamus for investigation).
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court observed the omission and issued a notice to the High Court, directing it to consider the ignored mandamus relief.
- The notice is returnable within four weeks from the date of this order.
Topics: Land Reform, Judicial Review