In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has revoked the preliminary approval granted for establishing a private brewery in Elappully panchayat, located in the Palakkad district. However, State Excise Minister M B Rajesh has asserted that this judicial action does not represent a setback for the state government, attributing the decision to technical grounds.
Minister Explains Court's Technical Grounds
Minister M B Rajesh clarified the High Court's rationale, highlighting two primary reasons for quashing the approval. The first reason involves the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) backtracking on its commitment. The KWA submitted an affidavit to the court stating that it had not granted consent to provide water for the proposed brewery project, contradicting earlier assumptions.
The second technical discrepancy cited was regarding the project's location. The court noted that the brewery was planned for Elappully panchayat, which is approximately 5 kilometers away from the Kanjikode Industrial Estate. The government's preliminary approval order had incorrectly stated the project was near the industrial estate.
No Government Blame, Path Open for Fresh Application
Minister Rajesh emphasized that the High Court order did not place blame on the government. He read out a portion of the order which stated, "This will not preclude a fresh consideration of any applications by the govt if made on the basis of necessary inputs." This indicates that the government can entertain a new application for the project if it is submitted with all requisite and correct information.
Opposition Parties Celebrate HC Verdict
The court's decision was met with jubilation by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, both of which had staunchly opposed the brewery. Supporters from both parties gathered and celebrated in front of the Elappully panchayat office soon after the verdict was announced.
C Krishnakumar, a BJP councillor in the Palakkad municipality, claimed vindication. He accused the state government of granting approval without following necessary legal procedures, making the Panchayat Raj and the panchayat council "mute witnesses." He also raised environmental concerns, pointing out the depleting groundwater level in Elappully and remarking that "M B Rajesh, who fought against Coca-Cola, knows very well" about this issue.
Palakkad District Congress Committee president A Thankappan credited the successful opposition raised by the Congress-led panchayat for the court's order. Congress workers also alleged that the party lost the recent local body elections in Elappully to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) due to "money power" related to the brewery project. They have demanded a comprehensive environmental study in the panchayat before any such industrial unit is established.
