Kochi Corporation faces uphill task as HC denies extension for eviction, rehabilitation in Konthuruthy

The Kerala High Court’s decision not to extend the deadline for the evacuation and rehabilitation of 126 families along the Konthuruthy river poramboke has put the Kochi Corporation in a fix as it now faces what it claims is an impossible task to complete within the originally allotted four months.

With its plea for an extension rejected, the civic body is now considering approaching the apex court after examining the verdict. Mayor V.K. Minimol said the Corporation was yet to receive a copy of the judgment to assess the grounds on which the request was denied.

“It is impossible for the Corporation to pull this off alone without State government’s assistance. We have sought an appointment with the Chief Minister and other ministers once the Assembly session begins next week. The Chief Secretary had called for a declaration placing the sole responsibility on the Corporation, which we have opposed,” she said.

A meeting of councillors and representatives of the affected families convened by the Corporation earlier this week had proved inconclusive, except for a decision to form a ten-member committee comprising two councillors from the divisions concerned and representatives of the families, to safeguard their interests.

The Corporation now hopes that the notification of the Assembly elections and the subsequent enforcement of the model code of conduct may provide a breather without seemingly violating the court’s directive.

In an interim order dated December 16, 2025, the High Court ordered eviction with police assistance and entrusted the Corporation and the Revenue department with finalising and implementing rehabilitation measures within four months.

“At a subsequent meeting convened by the Chief Secretary on December 31 to initiate rehabilitation measures, it was recommended that of the ₹14 lakh per unit estimated for rehabilitation, ₹4.75 lakh—over and above the ₹9.25 lakh permissible under the LIFE Mission—should be raised by the Corporation.

Even if the Corporation manages to bridge the gap between the LIFE Mission allocation and the estimated rehabilitation cost, despite its precarious financial situation, it would still require State government approval.

Meanwhile, the fate of the affected families continues to hang in the balance, as many houses are in poor condition. However, residents cannot risk spending on maintenance with eviction looming large.