Tue Dec 10 13:10:52 UTC 2024: ## Kerala High Court Delays Eviction of Munambam Families
**KOCHI, December 10, 2024** – The Kerala High Court has temporarily halted the eviction of over 600 families from their land in Munambam, Kerala. A division bench, hearing a petition challenging the eviction order issued by the Waqf Board, made an oral observation on Tuesday indicating its inclination to issue an interim order preventing the evictions until the families file a civil suit or secure a stay from a civil court. The hearing has been adjourned until December 17th.
The petitioners, represented by Joseph Benny and seven others, purchased the land from Farook College’s managing committee. They argue that the Waqf Board’s claim to the land is based on an unconstitutional section of the Waqf Act (Section 14), which they contend violates principles of natural justice and fair play. The Board’s attempts to evict the families have been met with resistance, as revenue officials have refused to alter land documents at the Board’s request.
The High Court deemed the matter essentially a property dispute, stating that it cannot determine ownership. The court suggested the residents pursue a declaration of ownership through civil proceedings.
First Piper 