MUNNAR, October 2026: The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed report on the progress of the digital land survey in villages linked to alleged land encroachment cases in Munnar. The court has also sought a separate report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating suspected irregularities involving land titles in the region.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and Basant Balaji issued the directions while considering petitions seeking the eviction of alleged encroachers in Munnar. The government has been asked to explain the survey work completed so far and provide an update on the activities of the monitoring committee constituted under an earlier court order.

The SIT has separately been directed to submit a consolidated account of the action taken in cases already investigated and those still under investigation. The inquiry concerns allegations of public officials being involved in the preparation or issuance of forged land title documents, known locally as pattas.

The court has also asked the government to clarify whether a list of land available for assignment under the Kerala Land Assignment Act and its associated rules exists. If such a list is available, it must be produced before the court for examination.

Highlighting the prolonged uncertainty surrounding land ownership and the validity of documents, the bench observed that nearly two decades of litigation had failed to resolve the issues. The court emphasised the need for effective action to address alleged irregularities and protect the region.

The matter has been adjourned to October 15, 2026, for further consideration.

The proceedings are significant for Munnar, where land ownership disputes, alleged encroachments and questions over the validity of title deeds have remained longstanding concerns. The court's directions seek clearer information on the digital survey, the progress of investigations and the steps being taken by the authorities to address these issues.