In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has put an end to the confusion surrounding the leadership of the proposed Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit. The court clarified that no separate, salaried post of Chief Executive Officer needs to be created, directing instead that the existing Member Secretary of the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) will function as the CEO.
Court Slams Government Inaction on Wetland Protection
The clarification came on Wednesday from a bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice V M Syam Kumar. The judges were hearing a contempt petition filed by Kollam-based lawyer Boris Paul. The petition alleged that the state government had failed to comply with the court's own July 2025 order, which mandated the establishment of a dedicated management unit for the ecologically sensitive Ashtamudi wetland, a designated Ramsar site, within two months.
The petitioner argued that even after five months, no tangible action had been taken by the authorities. Expressing strong disapproval, the High Court on Tuesday criticized the government's prolonged inaction in constituting the vital unit needed to maintain and protect the wetland. The court issued a stern warning, stating that if the official notification was not issued by Wednesday, the Environment Department Secretary would have to appear in person to explain the delay.
Government's Reasoning Rejected by the Bench
During Wednesday's hearing, the government pleader presented the state's position, stating that the file was pending with the Chief Minister's office. The delay was attributed to the process of appointing a full-time, salaried CEO and obtaining the necessary financial sanctions for the new post.
The High Court, however, swiftly rejected this reasoning. The bench pointed out that its previous judgment had already indicated that the Member Secretary of SWAK would serve as the CEO. The court further noted that this very composition for the management unit had been suggested by the State Wetland Authority itself. The judges criticized the government for waiting for a contempt petition to be filed before seeking clarification on an already settled matter.
Notification Promised, Hearing Adjourned
Following the court's firm stance, the government pleader informed the bench that the notification to establish the Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit would be issued on Wednesday itself. Accepting this submission, the court adjourned the matter to Thursday for further verification.
This ruling streamlines the administrative process for protecting the critical Ashtamudi ecosystem by leveraging existing institutional machinery. It underscores the judiciary's role in holding the executive accountable for environmental conservation mandates and preventing unnecessary bureaucratic expansion.
