“Who Can Live Without Mobile Phones These Days?”: Kerala HC On Plea Against Radiation From Mobile Towers

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday stated the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones in people’s lives and emphasized the lack of evidence supporting claims of harmful effects of radiation from mobile towers.

The observations were made by Justice PV Kunhikrishnan, a single-judge, during the hearing of a case against the installation of a new mobile tower.

A visibly amused Justice Kunhikrishnan emphasised how pervasive mobile phones have become in all sectors of life, claiming that even the petitioner would have had to contact the counsel by cell phone.

“Do you not have a cell phone, Counsel? Didn’t the petitioner call you on your cell phone to inform you of this tower? Who can live without a mobile these days?” the judge asked.

When told that the petitioner believes the cell tower may produce hazardous radiation, Justice Kunhikrishnan highlighted that the problem has been addressed in various earlier Court decisions.

He also remarked on the lack of evidence to back up the fear of harmful emissions.

“There are so many judgements covering this. What if there is a mobile tower nearby? Radiation? Where is the evidence?” inquired the judge.

Despite the advocate’s repeated requests, the Court decided not to hear the matter on the same day and scheduled it for the following day, June 1.

“Nothing will happen. We will hear it tomorrow only,” the Court stated.