Sub-Collector rejects Lotus Club’s appeal

KOCHI: The Lotus Club situated at Warriam Road here have lost the appeal against the order issued by the additional tahsildar Kanayannur for taking over the 80.25 cents allegedly encroached upon by the club after the order was upheld by Fort Kochi Kochi Sub-Collector K Inbasekar.

The Sub-Collector arrived at the decision on the basis of the details in the Basic Tax and Puramboke Register.

Rejecting the appeal Inbasekar held the Lotus Club had not submitted documentary evidence to substantiate its claim.

“As a result, the order passed by the additional tahsildar Kanayannur is legal. Since the revenue records clearly state the land listed under survey no 740/2 has been described as ‘Puramboke, the provisions of the KLC Act will apply,”  the Sub-Collector’s order said.

Though Express tried to contact the Lotus Club secretary, he could not be reached for his comments. However, a club member pleaded ignorance about the Sub- Collector’s order.
“ We haven’t received any such order from the Sub-Collector. Since our secretary is presently out of the country, we would rather not comment on the issue,” the member said.

According to the appeal submitted by the secretary, the club’s right to use the premises was granted by the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi a long time ago. Also, the possession of the land occurred before the Kerala Land Conservancy Act came into force. “The additional building was constructed in 1942 with the knowledge and permission of the then authorities.

“Hence, this cannot be characterised as illegal possession, encroachment or trespass of government land,” it said.

The additional tahsildar had ordered the takeover of the land based on the report of the village officer, Ernakulam.