The Kerala High Court delivered a major reprieve to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) by prolonging the ban on demolishing the Badiyadka cricket ground in Kasaragod district. Declaring the facility as serving public interest, the court urged the state administration to handle the case diligently.
An interim order preventing forced demolition over encroachment allegations will hold until the final verdict. The principal secretaries of local self-government and revenue departments must conclude proceedings within four months, as mandated by the bench.
This development stems from KCA’s legal challenge against the district collector’s report flagging 1.09 acres of government land as encroached. The court dismissed the report’s credibility due to the absence of scientific evidence, validating KCA’s plea.
Further, the High Court allowed KCA to seek an official scientific survey. If pursued, authorities are bound to execute it accurately, with the government scrutinizing all survey documents prior to any conclusive action.
KCA countered encroachment charges on a 40-cent puramboke canal portion by noting pre-existing occupation at purchase and no visible waterway then. They cited the collector’s own findings that canal diversions hadn’t disrupted water flow.
‘It’s a welcome relief for us at KCA. We’re optimistic about clarity emerging soon. The venue is fully operational with proper pitches,’ shared Secretary Vinod S. Kumar.
As the case progresses, this decision highlights the balance between land governance and community sports development, potentially setting precedents for similar disputes across the state.