The commission, headed by former acting chief justice of Kerala High Court C N Ramachandran, will study land-related matters at Munambam and verify land records. The commission must submit its recommendations within three months.
Residents of Munambam, who have been protesting the government's handling of the issue, have vowed to intensify their agitation. "A decision will be taken on Saturday," said Joseph Benny, convenor of the Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samithi.
Experts point out that the practice of constituting judicial commissions has become the norm in Kerala, but most of these commissions have only served to delay solutions.
In a relief to owners of disputed properties, the government has decided not to serve legal notices. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will soon hold talks with protesters to explain the government's actions.
The government seeks a permanent solution to the issue, which has been ongoing for years. There are currently nine cases related to the land issue in the Kerala High Court and two cases in the Waqf Tribunal.
Revenue Minister K Rajan listed the steps taken by the government, including an order issued by the tahsildar in October 2022 asking residents to pay taxes. However, the stay on tax payment was reinstated by the High Court.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan alleged that the government has been deliberately delaying a solution to create communal polarization.
