KOTTAYAM, Kerala The Kerala government has suffered a significant legal defeat in its long-running battle over the ownership of the Cheruvally Estate, a 2,263-acre tract of land earmarked for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield Airport. A Pala Sub Court today rejected the state’s lawsuit seeking declaration of ownership, dealing a blow to government plans and intensifying uncertainty over the airport project’s future.
Background of the Dispute
The Cheruvally Estate, located in Erumeli South and Manimala villages in Kottayam district, has been the centre of a protracted legal and political battle for more than a decade. The land was originally held by Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML), a plantation company, and was sold in 2005 to the Ayana Charitable Trust (formerly Gospel for Asia), which is associated with the Believers Church.
The Kerala government contended in its 2019 civil suit that the property was actually government land documented as Pandaravakapattom in settlement records — meaning it should have reverted to state ownership — and that HML had no right to sell it to the trust. Officials argued that no documents prior to the 2005 sale showed valid private ownership.
Court Verdict and Key Legal Points
On Monday, the Pala Sub Court upheld the validity of the 2005 sale deed, ruling in favour of Ayana Charitable Trust and dismissing the state government’s claim to title. The court accepted the defendants’ assertion that they had been in undisturbed possession of the land for many years and could claim ownership, including through doctrines like adverse possession.
The defendants also cited historical deeds, including a private land transfer dating back to 1947, to support their claim that the estate was not government property.
Government counsel argued that earlier documents did not show clear private title and that transfer of forest land included in the 2005 deed was irregular. Despite these objections, the court found the sale legally effective.
Implications for Sabarimala Airport Project
The verdict is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project, which has already faced multiple legal hurdles, including earlier High Court rulings that set aside parts of the land acquisition process under the land acquisition law.
Because the state government no longer holds clear title to the Cheruvally Estate, its plans to acquire the land — a crucial site for the airport intended to serve the millions of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala annually — now face increased complexity. The government could appeal the decision to higher courts, including the Kerala High Court or Supreme Court, or consider purchasing the land from the current owners through negotiation.
The Believers Church has previously stated it has no objection to the airport project and would be willing to provide land at a negotiated price if ownership issues are resolved, though its stance on the latest verdict has not been publicly detailed.
Next Steps and Outlook
Legal analysts say today’s judgment sets a precedent that could influence other land disputes in the state involving plantation properties once held by long-term leaseholders. With around 25 related cases pending, the outcome in Cheruvally may shape broader land policy and government strategy in Kerala.
Meanwhile, the airport project continues to grapple with procedural setbacks, as previous judicial decisions have also called for fresh social impact assessments and reappraisal of land requirement under law.