In a significant development for the rehabilitation of landslide victims in Wayanad, the Kerala High Court has given the state government permission to physically take over 64 acres of land at the Elstone Estate. This decision, which comes with the condition of depositing an additional ₹17.77 crore with the High Court Registry, paves the way for the construction of a township aimed at resettling those displaced by the tragic landslides in July last year. The government had previously deposited ₹26.56 crore to gain symbolic possession before the foundation stone was laid, but ownership disputes delayed actual transfer.
The Elstone Tea Estate Ltd., which owns the land, had contested the government’s move in court, arguing that the compensation offered was insufficient. While the government estimated the land value at ₹66,000 per acre, Elstone and other stakeholders claimed it was ₹6.6 lakh, citing land records. The state defended its valuation by labeling the higher figure a clerical error. The High Court, led by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S Manu, acknowledged that the state’s claims couldn’t be outright dismissed but also assured the companies that their claims for enhanced compensation would remain open during ongoing legal proceedings.
Recognizing the urgent need for resettlement of those affected by the disaster—which claimed over 200 lives and left 32 still missing—the court emphasized that any delay would further impact already displaced families. It ruled that the government may proceed with the land takeover after depositing the additional amount in a separate account. Meanwhile, the petitioner companies may withdraw the total ₹42.5 crore under conditions set by the Registry, without compromising their right to seek further compensation through the courts.
