Wayanad Landslides: Kerala HC Appoints Senior Advocate Ranjith Thampan as Amicus Curiae

The Kerala High Court has appointed Senior Advocate Ranjith Thampan as Amicus Curiae to assist in the suo moto case initiated following the devastating landslides in Wayanad, aimed at preventing and managing natural disasters in Kerala.

A bench of A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. observed that despite the presence of numerous legislations and authorities, effective coordination among them is crucial. The Court stressed the need for a ‘holistic approach’ to disaster prevention and management in the state.

The Court highlighted that Economic, Social, and Environmental factors must be considered and that all stakeholders within the existing machinery need to be involved. It stated, “We have to look at whether the existing machinery is efficient and functioning.”

The division bench inquired about environmental auditing in the state, noting that it could help understand various types of terrain, thus determining which activities are suitable for each terrain type.

It sought suggestions on whether existing policies should be revised or if new policies need to be created in light of changing circumstances.

Additionally, the Court impleaded the Union of India, represented by the concerned Ministry for the Department of Science and Technology, Geological Survey of India, National Centre for Earth Science Studies, State Environment Impact Assessment, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, and Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority as party respondents.

The Court stated that the suo moto case will be heard every Friday and directed the respondents to develop a plan to frame broad and general issues for assessment and study.