Decode Politics: Why a land Bill is the latest flashpoint between Kerala govt, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan

The CPI(M)-led Kerala government and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan are yet again entangled in a face-off, this time over the latter’s delay in ratifying the Kerala Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Assembly in September 2023.

The Kerala Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill, 2023, envisages regularisation of all constructions on assigned (patta) lands in the state, especially in the high ranges of Idukki, built in contravention to the original purpose (agriculture or dwelling) for which it has been allocated. While the construction of public roads and houses is allowed under the Bill, urbanisation, and tourism led to the sprouting of illegal constructions.

After hearing several cases related to encroachment in Idukki district, the Kerala High Court earlier directed the department concerned to ensure that construction commences only after no-objection certificates are obtained from various departments. The amendment gives no objection to fresh constructions on such patta lands.

In the statement of objects and reasons listed in the Bill tabled in the Assembly, the government argued that for the last 60 years, assignees had been using the land concerned for purposes other than for which it was assigned. “Moreover, it has also come to notice that the assignees have violated the conditions attached to the patta,” it said.

Earlier this week, the CPI(M) organised a march to the Raj Bhavan and a hartal in Idukki, when Khan was visiting the district, to protest against the delay in giving assent to the Bill by the Governor.

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said the party would mobilise people of the hilly region for an indefinite agitation against Khan if he continued to withhold the Bill. “It is better that he