The Supreme Court has criticized the Kerala government for its reluctance to share documents with the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), a statutory body overseeing environmental issues. The Court has ordered the state’s Land Revenue Commissioner and the Additional Secretary of the relevant department to appear before it to explain why they should not face contempt proceedings for “withholding” files requested by the CEC.
“The CEC, originally established by this court’s order and recently granted statutory status as of September 5, 2023, is tasked with assisting the court in the TN Godavarman Thirumulpad case. All authorities are obligated to cooperate with the CEC during its inquiries. Withholding important documents undermines the court’s authority and obstructs the CEC’s duties,” stated Justice B R Gavai, leading the bench.
“We, therefore, issue a notice to A. Kowsigan, IAS, Commissioner of Land Revenue, and T. R. Jayapal, Additional Secretary of the Kerala government, directing them to appear before this court on August 21, 2024, and explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them,” the bench added.
