The Kerala government has clarified that the Justice Ramachandran Nair Commission, set up to examine the Munambam land dispute, does not hold judicial or quasi-judicial status and cannot enforce its recommendations. It is purely a fact-finding body with no authority to rule on ownership disputes or legal matters. The commission's report will serve only as a reference for government action, the state informed the High Court.
This statement was submitted in response to a petition by the Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi, Ernakulam, which challenged the commission’s appointment. The petitioner argued that the state lacks the authority to establish an inquiry commission to challenge a fact already determined by a civil court and upheld by the High Court. Both courts had confirmed that the disputed land was Waqf property.
On January 24, the High Court questioned the legitimacy of the government’s decision, remarking that it appeared to be “an eyewash.” However, the state refuted the petition’s claims, maintaining that the commission was appointed strictly to investigate and report on specific Terms of Reference. The government assured that no party, including the petitioners, would be adversely affected by its findings.
Despite the controversy, the government reiterated that the commission’s role is limited to compiling information and does not interfere with legal rulings made by the courts.
