Wed Dec 04 15:46:46 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Government Seeks to Reclaim Hundreds of Acres of Land from Plantation Company
**Kalpetta, Kerala – December 4, 2024** – The Kerala State government has initiated legal action to reclaim over 884 acres of land allegedly illegally occupied by Harrison Malayalam Plantations in Wayanad district. Two cases have been filed in the Sulthan Bathery Sub Court against Harrison Malayalam Limited and the Chembra Peak Estate, seeking the return of 491.72 acres in Nenmeni village and 392.89 acres in Muttill South village respectively.
The government alleges that the land was acquired illegally following the expiry of lease agreements and through subsequent illegal transfers. The land in Nenmeni village, initially reportedly held by Richard Keen Walker, underwent a series of transactions involving Rubber Plantation Trust Limited (UK) and East India Tea Producer Company (UK), before becoming part of Malayalam Plantations (UK) and eventually Malayalam Plantations India Limited. Concerns have been raised about the legality of these transactions, particularly as approximately half the land in Nenmeni was reportedly sold to private individuals, leading to further illegal transfers and attempts to sell valuable timber.
The Wayanad District Collector, D.R. Meghasree, filed the cases (OS 153/2024 and OS 157/2024) on behalf of the state government. Additional Government Pleaders Advocate George Sebastian and Advocate Abhilash Joseph are representing the government. The court has issued notices to the involved parties. The outcome of these legal proceedings remains to be seen.
First Piper 