High Court of KeralaDivision BenchWrit petition disposed of with directions as st...

Travancore Devaswom Board v. State of Kerala and others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C) No. 34315 of 2022

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • Anil K. Narendran
  • P.G. Ajithkumar
Judgment Date
2023-05-23
Court Decision / Holding
This writ petition is disposed of. The Court notes that the disputed property’s land status (PWD puramboke vs Devaswom land) requires a separate determination and leaves the question open. It records that the Municipality has dropped the proposal to erect the statue; the Municipality is directed to remove the statue from the disputed property within two weeks from receipt of a certified copy of this judgment. The judgment emphasizes adherence to the general directions in Union of India v. Gujarat and the Satheesh line of cases, and reiterates the obligation of authorities to maintain pedestrian facilities as per IRC guidelines. Litigation continues only on land classification, to be decided in an appropriate proceeding under relevant statutes.
Final Disposition
Writ petition disposed of with directions as stated; matter regarding land classification left open for separate adjudication; statue to be removed within two weeks by Municipality.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Travancore Devaswom Board

Respondents

  • State of Kerala
  • District Collector, Kollam
  • Revenue Divisional Officer, Kollam
  • Tahsildar, Kollam
  • Kottarakkara Municipality
  • Secretary, Kottarakkara Municipality
  • Station House Officer, Kottarakkara Police Station
  • Additional Respondent 8 (Suresh)
  • Additional Respondent 9 (Gopalakrishnan)

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • G. Santosh Kumar (P)

Counsels for Respondents

  • • M.K. Chandramohan Das, SC, Kottarakkara Municipality
  • • Sajith Kumar V.
  • • J. Vishnu
  • • Vivek A.V.
  • • Godwin Joseph
  • • Pranav Pradeep
  • • Sri S. Rajmohan - Sr Government Pleader

Case Synopsis & Summary

Travancore Devaswom Board filed a writ petition under Article 226 seeking to restrain the installation of a statue on PD Manikanteswaram Devaswom land at Kottarakara by the Kottarakkara Municipality and its Secretary, and to declare the ongoing construction as illegal while directing removal of unauthorised structures on Devaswom property. The petition references orders and guidelines, including the 2010 DBP order and the Apex Court’s directions in Union of India v. State of Gujarat (SLP No. 8519 of 2006, 2013 directions) to halt statues on public roads from 18 January 2013, except for certain public utility works. The court recalls Satheesh v. Travancore Devaswom Board (2022) to emphasize that public roads are to be used for their intended purpose and that encroachments on footpaths and rights of way impede pedestrian safety, referencing IRC:103-2012 guidelines and related Kerala penalties. The matter deals with whether the disputed land is PWD puramboke or Devaswom land; the Municipality contends it dropped the statue proposal. Ultimately, the court disposes of the petition, directing the Municipality to remove the statue within two weeks, while leaving open the question of land classification for a separate, appropriate determination. The decision underscores adherence to pedestrian-rights standards and the protective Trustee-hood of the State over public roads.

Provisions of Law Cited

Article 226 of the Constitution of IndiaMotor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Section 118Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017 - Regulation 5, Regulation 22, Regulation 39Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Section 198AKerala Public Ways (Restriction of Assemblies and Processions) Act, 2011Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 - Section 27

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Public roads vest in the State as trustee for the public; encroachment on right of way constitutes breach of trust.
  • State as trustee is obliged to maintain roads per standards and guidelines; encroachments threaten pedestrian safety.
  • Pedestrian facilities must be provided in conformity with IRC:103-2012 guidelines; footpaths are for pedestrians, not for stock, displays, or political demonstrations.
  • Union of India v. State of Gujarat (18.01.2013 directions) not to grant permissions for statues on public roads, with narrow exceptions; status quo to be maintained until further orders.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioner contends that the 5th and 6th respondents (Kottarakkara Municipality and its Secretary) are erecting or permitting the erection of a statue on Devaswom land at PD Manikanteswaram Devaswom property. It seeks an order to stop the construction, a declaration that the installation is illegal, and directions to remove unauthorised structures, invoking the 2010 DBP order and Apex Court directives prohibiting statues on public roads from 2013, along with protection of pedestrian rights under IRC guidelines.

Contentions of Respondents

Respondents contend the disputed land status (PWD puramboke vs Devaswom land) is unresolved. They note that the Municipality had dropped the statue proposal, and they rely on property status to decide next steps; the matter also touches on enforcement of pedestrian safety guidelines and public-rights on roads.

Cited Precedents (7)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
C.S.S. Motor Service v. Madras StateAIR 1953 Mad 279PositiveCited for the proposition that public streets vest in the State as trustee for the public, with rights of the public as beneficiaries and with the State allowed to enforce limitations to protect public rights.
Saghir Ahmad v. State of U.P.AIR 1954 SC 728PositiveConstitution Bench endorsement of the Madras case’s legal principle on the State’s trustee-ship over public roads.
Union of India v. State of GujaratSLP(C) No. 8519 of 2006PositiveApex Court directive (18.01.2013) directing that Kerala shall not grant permission for installation of statues on public roads, guiding interim order and status quo.
Satheesh v. Travancore Devaswom Board2022 (1) KLT 940PositiveUsed to stress that road-rights and pedestrian facilities must be maintained per standards; encroachments on footpath or right of way must be refused.
Shali v. State of Kerala2019 (5) KHC 118PositiveSupports enforcing guidelines for pedestrian facilities and binding obligation of Local Authorities to provide pedestrian facilities per IRC:103-2012.
Kottamom (Kottiyar Mangalam) Sri. Darmasastha Temple Advisory Committee v. State of Kerala2019 (5) KHC SN 27PositiveNo parking on footpath principle, reinforcing the stance against encroachments on pedestrian spaces.
Sivaprasad2020 (6) KHC 373PositiveCited in context of reinforcing pedestrian facilities and road right-of-way compliance with guidelines.

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Extracted Judgment Text

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# **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** # **`THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K.NARENDRAN`** ``` & ``` ## **`THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.G. AJITHKUMAR`** ``` TUESDAY, THE 23[RD] DAY OF MAY 2023 / 2ND JYAISHTA, 1945 ``` ``` WP(C) NO. 34315 OF 2022 ``` ## **`PETITIONER:`** ``` TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD,REP. BY IT'S SECRETARY, DEVASWOM HEAD QUARTERS, NANDANCODE, KOWDIAR.P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 003. ``` ``` BY ADV G.SANTHOSH KUMAR (P). ``` ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** - **`1 STATE OF KERALA, REP.BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, REVENUE (DEVASWOM) DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT, SECRETARIAT, TRIVANDRUM695001.`** - **`2 THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, COLLECTORATE, COLLECTORATE ROAD, ANANDAVALLEESWARAM, KOLLAM-689645.`** - **`3 THE REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER, OFFICE OF THE REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER, KALAYANAD, PUNALUR, KOLLAM-691331.`** - **`4 THE TAHASILDAR, TALUK OFFICE, OYOOR ROAD, THRIKKANNAMANGAL, KOTTARAKARA, KOLLAM-691506.`** - **`5 KOTTARAKKARA MUNICIPALITY, MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING, PULAMON P.O, KOLLAM691531, REP.BY IT'S SECRETARY,`** - **`6 THE SECRETARY, KOTTARAKKARA MUNICIPALITY, MUNICIPAL OFFICE BUILDING, PULAMON P.O, KOLLAM691531.`** - **`7 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER, KOTTARAKKARA POLICE STATION, CHANDAMUKKU, KOLLAM691506.`** - **`8 ADDL.R8.V.SURESH, AGED 53 YEARS, S/O, - RESIDING VASANTHA VILASOM,`** 2 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 ``` MANJAPPARA.P.O., AYOOR, KOLLAM, PIN-691533. ``` ``` 9 ADDL.R9.GOPALAKRISHNAN AGED 54 YEARS, S/O. RAMACHANDRAN RESIDING AT PUTHAN MADOM, KURA.P.O., KURA, THALAVOOR, PIN- 691557, KOLLAM DISTRICT. (ADDITIONAL RESPONDENTS 8 & 9 IMPLEADED AS PER ORDER DATED 10-11-2022 IN IA 1/2022). ``` ``` BY ADVS. SHRI.M.K.CHANDRAMOHAN DAS, SC, KOTTARAKKARA MUNICIPALITY SAJITH KUMAR V. J.VISHNU VIVEK A.V. GODWIN JOSEPH PRANAV PRADEEP SRI S.RAJMOHAN - SR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ``` ``` THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 23.05.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 3 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 ## **JUDGMENT** ## **Anil K. Narendran, J.** Travancore Devaswom Board has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking an order directing the 4[th] respondent Tahsildar, Kottarakara and the 7[th] respondent Station House Officer, Kottarakara Police Station to act upon Exts.P2, P5 and P6 and ensure that no statue or any other constructions are erected in the properties of PD Manikanteswaram Devaswom by respondents 5 and 6, namely, the Kottarakara Municipality and its Secretary. The petitioner has also sought for a declaration that the construction carried by respondents 5 and 6 in the property of PD Manikanteswaram Devaswom for installing statue is illegal and direct respondents 5 and 6 to ensure that all unauthorised constructions in the Devaswom property are removed within a time frame, in the light of the order dated 04.02.2010 in DBP No.76 of 2009. The further relief sought for is an order directing respondents 5 and 6 to clear off the statue which is now illegally kept as covered and prepared for installation in the property of PD Manikanteswaram Devaswom. 2. On 27.10.2022, when this writ petition came up for admission, the learned Senior Government Pleader for respondents 4 ## W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 1 to 4 and 7 and also the learned Standing Counsel for Kottarakkara Municipality for respondents 5 and 6 sought time to get instructions. In **Satheesh v. Travancore Devaswom Board and others [2022 (1) KLT 940]** this Court noticed the orders of the Apex Court in **S.L.P.(C)No.8519 of 2006 – [Union of India v. State of Gujarat and others]** , whereby the Apex Court has issued a general direction to the effect that from 18.01.2013, the Government of Kerala shall not grant any permission for installation of any statue or construction of any structure in public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility services. After considering the averments in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the writ petition and taking note of the photographs placed on record as Ext.P7, this Court granted an interim order on 27.10.2022 directing the 7[th] respondent to ensure that respondents 5 and 6 are not proceeding further with the construction and installation of statue as revealed by Ext.P7 photographs in the property owned by PD Manikanteswaram Devaswom, Kottarakara, for a period of two weeks. The said interim order, which was extended from time to time, is still in force. 3. On 10.11.2022, when this writ petition came up for 5 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 consideration, in I.A.No.1 of 2022, additional respondents 8 and 9 were impleaded. A counter affidavit dated 04.11.2022 has been filed by respondents 5 and 6, opposing the reliefs sought for in this writ petition. Respondents 8 and 9 have also filed a counter affidavit dated 15.11.2022. 4. On 21.12.2022, when this writ petition came up for consideration, the learned Senior Government Pleader, on instructions, submitted that the disputed property in Sy.No.87/1 in Block No.23 of Kottarakara Village is a PWD puramboke. On the other hand, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that the said property is a Devaswom land. 5. The 4[th] respondent has filed a counter affidavit dated 04.01.2023. The petitioner has filed a reply affidavit dated 09.01.2023 to the counter affidavits filed by respondents 4, 5 and 6. An additional counter affidavit dated 18.01.2023 has been filed by respondents 8 and 9. 6. Heard the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for the petitioner, the learned Senior Government Pleader for respondents 1 to 4 and 7, the learned Standing Counsel for Kottarakkara Municipality for respondents 5 and 6 and also the 6 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 learned counsel for additional respondents 8 and 9. 7. In **C.S.S. Motor Service v. Madras State [AIR 1953 Mad 279]** a Division Bench of the Madras High Court held that all public streets and roads vest in the State, but that the State holds them as trustee on behalf of the public. The members of the public are entitled as beneficiaries to use them as a matter of right and this right is limited only by the similar rights possessed by every other citizen to use the pathways. The State as trustees on behalf of the public is entitled to impose all such limitations on the character and extent of the user as may be requisite for protecting the rights of the public generally. 8. In **Saghir Ahmad v. State of U.P. [AIR 1954 SC 728]** a Constitution Bench of the Apex Court agreed with the statement of law made by the Division Bench of the Madras High Court in Para. 24 of the decision in C.S.S. Motor Service. 9. The Indian Roads Congress has issued Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities vide IRC:103-2012. Paragraph 3 of the said guidelines deals with the scope of those guidelines. These guidelines cover engineering design and planning aspects of pedestrian facilities on road sides and road crossings in urban and semi-urban 7 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 areas (para 3.2). The guidelines are intended for use by the local authorities responsible for creating and maintaining semi urban road transport facilities and the guidelines are framed to serve the objectives of universal accessibility and social equity for sustainable transportation (para 3.3). Paragraph 4 of the guidelines deals with general principles. 10. In **Shali v. State of Kerala [2019 (5) KHC 118]** this Court held that, as per Para.4.2 of the Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities [IRC:103-2012], an effort should be made to create such conditions that pedestrians are not forced to walk in unsafe circumstances, and that motorists respect the position of pedestrian. The Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities have the approval of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Every Local Authority in the State is bound to provide pedestrian facilities on public roads in conformity with these guidelines. 11. In **Kottamom (Kottiyar Mangalam) Sri. Darmasastha Temple Advisory Committee v. State of Kerala [2019 (5) KHC SN 27]** this Court held that, in view of the Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities formulated by the Indian Roads Congress, vide IRC:103-2012, no parking of vehicles is legally 8 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 permissible on the ‘footpath’, which is the portion of right of way of road used for the movement of pedestrians. Any such parking of vehicles on the footpath of public streets will force pedestrians to walk in unsafe circumstances, which will adversely affect the mobility and safety of all pedestrians including those with disabilities and reduced mobility. 12. In exercise of the powers under Section 118 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and in supersession of the Rules of Road Regulations, 1989, the Central Government made the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017, vide G.S.R.634(E) dated 23.06.2017. Regulation 5 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017 deals with duties of drivers and riders. As per clause (4) of Regulation 5, the driver and the riders shall take special care and precautions to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, children, elderly - and the differently abled persons. Regulation 22 deals with stopping and parking. As per sub-clause (c) of clause (2) of Regulation 22, a vehicle shall not be parked on footpath, cycle path and pedestrian crossing. Regulation 39 deals with pedestrian crossing, footpath and cycle track. As per sub-clause (3) of Regulation 39, when a road is 9 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 provided with a footpath or cycle track, no vehicle shall drive on such footpath or track, except on the directions of a Police Officer in uniform or where traffic signs permitting some movements have been displayed. 13. It is pertinent to note that, by the order dated 18.01.2013 in SLP(Civil) No. 8519 of 2006 [ **Union of India v. State of Gujarat** ], the Apex Court issued a general direction to the effect that, from the date of that order the Government of Kerala shall not grant any permission for installation of any statue or construction of any structure in public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility places. The Apex Court made it clear that the said order shall not apply to installation of high-mast lights, street lights or construction relating to electrification, traffic, toll or for development and beautification of streets, highways, roads, etc., and relating to public utility and facilities. The above order was made applicable to all other States and Union Territories and the concerned Chief Secretary/Administrator is directed to ensure compliance of that order. Paragraphs 2 to 5 of the order dated 18.01.2013 in I.A. No. 10 of 2012 in SLP(Civil) No. 8519 of 2006 read thus; 10 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 “2. Mr. M.T. George, learned counsel for the State of Kerala placed before us a copy of the order dated September 7, 2011 passed by the Government of Kerala granting permission for installation of statue of late Shri N. Sundaran Nadar, ExDeputy Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly near to Neyyattinkara - Poovar Road in the curve turning to the KSRTC Bus Stand Neyyattinkara in the Kanyakumari National Highway near bus stand. 3. We have our doubt whether such permission could have been granted by the State Government for installation of statue on the national highway. 4. Until further orders, we direct that the status quo, as obtaining today, shall be maintained in all respects by all concerned with regard to the Triangle Island where statue of late Shri N. Sundaran Nadar has been permitted to be sanctioned. We further direct that henceforth, State Government shall not grant any permission for installation of any statue or construction of any structure in public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility places. Obviously, this order shall not apply to installation of high mast lights, street lights or construction relating to electrification, traffic, toll or for development and beautification of the streets, highways, roads, etc. and relating to public utility and facilities. 5. The above order shall also apply to all other states and union territories. The concerned Chief Secretary/ Administrator shall ensure compliance of the above order. (underline supplied) 11 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 14. The order of the Apex Court dated 18.01.2013 in I.A. No. 10 of 2012 in SLP(Civil) No. 8519 of 2006 was in relation to the permission granted by the State of Kerala, by an order dated 07.09.2011, for installation of statue of late Shri. N. Sundaran Nadar, Ex-Deputy Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly near to Neyyantinkkara-Poovar Road in the curve turning to KSRTC bus stand, Neyyatinkkara in Kannyakumari National Highway. 15. By the order dated 05.07.2013 in SLP(Civil) No. 8519 of 2006, the Apex Court directed the States and Union Territories to state on affidavit the position with regard to unauthorised structures including unauthorised religious structures on public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility places as existing on 30.06.2013 in their respective States and the steps taken up to 30.06.2013 for removal of such unauthorised structures. In the said order, the Apex Court noticed the submission of the learned counsel for the States of Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Rajasthan that they have already filed their affidavits. By the order dated 05.07.2013, the Apex Court directed the States of Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Rajasthan to file fresh affidavits indicating the position as on 30.06.2013. 12 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 16. By the order dated 31.01.2018 in SLP(Civil) No. 8519 of 2006 and connected cases, the Apex Court ordered that the implementation of its orders should be supervised by the concerned High Courts. Consequently, the Apex Court remitted the matters to the respective High Courts for ensuring implementation of orders in an effective manner. While ordering transmission of concerned records to the respective High Courts, the Apex Court ordered that, the interim orders wherever passed shall continue, until the matters are considered by the High Courts. In case any clarification is required, it would be open to the parties to approach the Apex Court. The High Court will have the jurisdiction to proceed in the contempt of any of the orders passed by the Apex Court. 17. Despite the enactment of the Kerala Public Ways (Restriction of Assemblies and Processions) Act, 2011 by the State Legislature and the law laid down by the Apex Court and this Court in the decisions referred to supra, the State, Local Authorities and also the law enforcement machinery have not taken necessary steps to to ensure strict enforcement of the relevant statutory provisions and also the Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities formulated by Indian Roads congress [IRC: 103-2012], in order to 13 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 prevent encroachment of any nature, in any form, either temporary or permanent, on the right of way or on the pedestrian facilities on public roads, since any such encroachment will adversely affect the mobility and safety of all pedestrians including those with disabilities and reduced mobility. 18. In **Satheesh [2022 (1) KLT 940]** this Court held that, once roads are constructed as per the standards and guidelines prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress, it has to be maintained as such without any encroachment on the right of way or on the pedestrian facilities provided as per such standards and guidelines. Footpaths are not intended for stocking articles for trade or for display of goods by traders, in front of their shops or establishments. Similarly, footpaths are not intended for holding campaigns, demonstrations, etc., by political parties and other organisations, by causing obstructions to free movement of pedestrians. No political party or organisation can be permitted to encroach footpath or right of way of public roads, in connection with any such protest, demonstrations, etc., by erecting any temporary structures on the right of way or on the pedestrian facilities, forcing 14 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 pedestrians including those with disabilities and reduced mobility to walk in unsafe circumstances. 19. In **Satheesh [2022 (1) KLT 940]** this Court noticed that, showing scant regard to the law laid down in the decisions referred to supra, political parties and various organisations are permitted to put up structures on footpaths and even on the right of way on public roads, all over the State. The protesters/agitators having political backing are even permitted to lay carpet and place chairs on the footpath. On account of such encroachments, pedestrians including those with disabilities and reduced mobility are forced to walk through the right of way of public roads, in unsafe circumstances. The prohibition imposed by the Apex Court in the decision in **Union of India v. State of Gujarat** [SLP(Civil) No. 8519 of 2006], whereby the Government of Kerala is restrained, with effect from 18.01.2013, from granting any permission for installation of any statue or construction of any structure in public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility places, is being flouted by permitting unauthorised hoardings, structures like resting places for headload workers, bus shelters constructed by political and other organisations, etc., on public roads, pavements, 15 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 footpaths, etc. Such encroachments are even permitted in front of the Office of the Local Self Government Institutions. The law laid down by this Court in **Shali [2019 (5) KHC 118]** , **Kottamom (Kottiyar Mangalam) Sri. Darmasastha Temple Advisory Committee [2019 (5) KHC SN 27]** and **Sivaprasad [2020 (6) KHC 373]** that every Local Authority in the State is bound to provide pedestrian facilities on public roads in conformity with the Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities [IRC:103-2012] and that, once the National Highways/State Highways are constructed as per the standards and guidelines prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress, it has to be maintained as such without any encroachment on the right of way or on the pedestrian facilities provided as per such standards and guidelines is also being flouted by permitting encroachments on the right of way and on the pedestrian facilities. 20. Section 198A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, inserted by Section 84 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which came into force with effect from 01.09.2019, vide S.O. 3147(E) dated 30.08.2019, deals with failure to comply with standards for road design, construction and maintenance. As per sub-section (1) of section 198A, any designated authority, contractor, consultant or 16 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 concessionaire responsible for the design or construction or maintenance of the safety standards of the road shall follow such design, construction and maintenance standards, as may be prescribed by the Central Government from time to time. As per sub-section (2), where failure on the part of the designated authority, contractor, consultant or concessionaire responsible under subsection (1) to comply with standards for road design, construction and maintenance, results in death or disability, such authority or contractor or concessionaire shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to Rs. 1,00,000/- and the same shall be paid to the Fund constituted under Section 164B. 21. As per sub-section (3) of Section 198A, for the purposes of sub-section (2), the court shall in particular have regard to the matters enumerated in clauses (a) to (g), namely, (a) the characteristics of the road, and the nature and type of traffic which was reasonably expected to use it as per the design of road; (b) the standard of maintenance norms applicable for a road of that character and use by such traffic; (c) the state of repair in which road users would have expected to find the road; (d) whether the designated authority responsible for the maintenance of the road 17 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 knew, or could reasonably have been expected to know, that the condition of the part of the road to which the action relates was likely to cause danger to the road users; (e) whether the designated authority responsible for the maintenance of the road could not reasonably have been expected to repair that part of the road before the cause of action arose; (f) whether adequate warning notices through road signs, of its condition had been displayed; and (g) such other matters as may be prescribed by the Central Government. As per Explanation, for the purposes of Section 198A, the term ‘contractor’ shall include subcontractors and all such persons who are responsible for any stage in the design, construction and maintenance of a stretch of road. 22. As held by this Court in **Satheesh [2022 (1) KLT 940]** roads constructed as per the specifications and standards prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress are for vehicular traffic, which cannot be converted as a parking space for commercial or other establishments, religious institutions, etc., or even for putting up temporary structures in connection with festivals in temples, churches, mosques, etc., or for putting up temporary structures as resting place for headload workers, etc., or for putting up bus 18 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 shelters by political parties or by any other organisations. The State holds public roads as a trustee on behalf of the public. By permitting encroachments on public roads by way of temporary structures on the right of way or on the pavements or on the pedestrian facilities provided on such roads, on political considerations or otherwise, the State Government or the concerned Local Self Government Institution is committing breach of trust. Any failure on the part of the designated authorities, contractor, consultant or concessionaire in maintaining the safety standards of public roads will attract the penal consequences provided under Section 198A of the Motor Vehicles Act. Therefore, in terms of the interim order dated 13.02.2023 in W.P.(C)No.4729 of 2023, the law laid down by this Court in **Satheesh v. Travancore Devaswom Board [2022 (1) KLT 940]** shall be followed by all concerned, in letter and spirit, during the temple festival in Major Vellayani Bhadrakali Devi Temple, which is a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board. 23. In the instant case, the stand taken in the counter affidavit filed by the 4[th] respondent Tahsildar and also the submission made by the learned Senior Government Pleader is that 19 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 the disputed property in Sy.No.87/1 in Block No.23 of Kottarakara Village is a PWD puramboke. On the other hand, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board and also the learned counsel for additional respondents 8 and 9 would raise a contention that the property in question is a Devaswom land. We do not propose to consider that dispute in this writ petition, for the reason that, during the course of arguments, the learned Standing Counsel for Kottarakkara Municipality submitted that the Municipality has already dropped the proposal to install the statue in the disputed property. The question as to whether the disputed property is a Devaswom land or not has to be decided in an appropriate manner by the competent authority, with specific reference to Section 27 of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950. In such circumstances, this writ petition is disposed of, leaving open the question as to whether the disputed land is a PWD puramboke or Devaswom land, after recording the submission made on behalf of the 5[th] respondent Kottarakkara Municipality that the Municipality has dropped the proposal to erect the statue at the disputed property in Sy.No.87/1 in Block No.23 of Kottarakkara 20 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 Village. The 5[th] respondent Municipality shall take necessary steps to remove that statue, which is now kept in the disputed property. Necessary steps in this regard shall be taken within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment. **Sd/ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE** **Sd/-** **P.G. AJITHKUMAR, JUDGE** **yd** 21 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 ## APPENDIX |**`PETITIONER EXHIBITS`**|| |---|---| |**`Exhibit P1`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE BASIC TAX REGISTER`**| ||**`ISSUED BY THE VILLAGE OFFICER,`**| ||**`KOTTARAKKARA DATED NIL.`**| |**`Exhibit P2`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 20/10/2022`**| ||**`ISSUED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER,`**| ||**`KOTTARAKKARA TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT.`**| |**`Exhibit P3`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 20/10/2022`**| ||**`ISSUED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER,`**| ||**`KOTTARAKKARA TO THE 6TH RESPONDENT ALONG`**| ||**`WITH ITS ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIPT.`**| |**`Exhibit P4`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER DATED 21/10/2022`**| ||**`ISSUED BY THE ASSISTANT DEVASWOM`**| ||**`COMMISSIONER, KOTTARAKKARA BEFORE THE`**| ||**`SPECIAL TAHSILDAR, LAND CONSERVANCY UNIT`**| ||**`OF TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD.`**| |**`Exhibit P5`**|**`TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 22/10/2022`**| ||**`PREFERRED BY THE ASSISTANT DEVASWOM`**| ||**`COMMISSIONER, KOTTARAKKARA BEFORE THE 7TH`**| ||**`RESPONDENT.`**| |**`Exhibit P6`**|**`TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT DATED`**| ||**`24/10/2022 PREFERRED BY THE`**| ||**`ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, KOTTARAKKARA`**| ||**`BEFORE THE 7TH RESPONDENT ALONG WITH ITS`**| ||**`ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIPT.`**| |**`Exhibit P7`**|**`PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE CONSTRUCTION OF`**| ||**`THE PREMISES FOR INSTALLING STATUE AS`**| ||**`WELL AS THE STATUE WHICH IS ALREADY`**| ||**`COMPLETED AND KEPT FOR ERECTING.`**| |**`EXHIBIT-P8`**|**`True copy of the proceedings dated`**| ||**`21/02/1941 issued by the Government of`**| ||**`His Highness, The Maharaja of Travancore.`**| |**`EXHIBIT-P9`**|**`True copy of relevant page of Travancore`**| ||**`Government Gazette showing the`**| ||**`notification as Dis.215/42/Dev dated`**| ||**`11/03/1942.`**| |**`EXHIBIT-P10`**|**`True copy of the relevant page of the`**| ||**`land register maintained by the TDB.`**| |**`EXHIBIT-P11`**|**`True copy of the letter dated 04/02/2020`**| ||**`issued by the Assistant Devaswom`**| ||**`Commissioner, Kottarakkara to the 4th`**| ||**`respondent.`**| 22 W.P.(C)No.34315 of 2022 ``` RESPONDENTS 5 AND 6 - EXHIBITS ``` ``` Exhibit R4(A) ``` ``` TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SREE MOOLAM THIRUNAL MEMORIAL. ``` ``` Exhibit R4(B) TRUE COPY OF THE 2015-16 PROJECT REPORT FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF KACHERIMUKKU MOONUVILAKKU KALMANDAPAM. ``` ``` Exhibit R4(C) TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE STONE PLAQUE DEPICTING THE PREAMBLE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA. ``` ``` Exhibit R4(D) ``` ``` Exhibit R4(E) Exhibit R4(F) ``` ``` TRUE COPY OF THE 2021-22 PROJECT REPORT FOR INSTALLING OF STATUE OF KOTTARAKKARA THAMPURAM BALA VEERA KERALA VARMA AND KOTTARAKARA SREEDHARAN NAIR. ``` ``` TRUE COPY OF THE FIELD MEASUREMENT BOOK ``` ``` TRUE COPY OF THE RELEVANT ENTRY IN THE BASIC TAX REGISTER ALONG WITH THE TRUE - TYPED COPY. ``` ``` RESPONDENTS 8 AND 9 -EXHIBITS Exhibit R8(A) ``` ``` Exhibit R8(A) TRUE COPY OF THE SETTLEMENT REGISTER PERTAINING TO OLD SY. NO.125 ISSUED BY THE HEAD DRAFTSMAN, MODERN RECORD ROOM, CENTRAL SURVEY OFFICE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Exhibit R8(B) TRUE COPY OF THE SKETCH OF THE PROPERTIES COVERING RE-SURVEY NO. 87 RELEASED BY THE VILLAGE OFFICER, KOTTARAKKARA ```