KOZHIKODE: In a landmark case exposing decades of corporate negligence and government inaction, Rajendran Vellapalath, Chairman of the Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) — a political party approved by the Election Commission of India — and leader of the Mavoor Grasim Samara Samithi, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court of India through KMNP Law, New Delhi, for ensuring that its views are heard and considered by the High Court in a writ petition before the High Court challenging the order of resumption of the lands held by Grasim.
The petition focuses on Grasim Industries’ prolonged control over 320.78 acres of land in Mavoor, Kozhikode — comprising 238.41 acres acquired and handed over by the Kerala government in the 1960s for industrial purposes, and an additional 82.37 acres purchased privately by the company. Despite these arrangements, the land remained unused for more than 23 years, creating widespread frustration, disillusionment, and desperation among local communities.
Drawing National Attention
The Grasim Mavoor case has started gaining national attention, much like the Plachimada Coca-Cola struggle — a movement that highlighted the power of local communities standing up against corporate malpractice. The parallels between these cases are stark: both feature corporations accused of neglecting their social and ethical responsibilities, and both involve communities grappling with the fallout of such negligence.
A Broader Movement Backed by Key Leaders
The Supreme Court petition is strongly supported by the Kerala Pravasi Association (KPA) and its National Council President, Aswani Nambarambath. Ms. Nambarambath has consistently raised concerns about the worsening livelihoods of people in Mavoor Panchayat, as well as in the larger Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.
“The prolonged inaction and neglect have robbed ordinary people of their opportunities for growth and prosperity,” said Ms. Nambarambath. “This land, lying unused for decades, must be reclaimed for public use and development. Every additional year of delay exacerbates the economic and social hardships faced by this community.”
Ms. Nambarambath has further emphasized that this fight is not just about land but about ensuring a fair and equitable future for the people of Kerala. “The government and corporations cannot ignore their obligations toward the people. This is a fight for justice, dignity, and accountability,” she said.
A United Front for Justice
Under Rajendran’s leadership, the Grasim Samara Samithi has become a robust coalition that represents the voices of the people. The Samara Samithi unites all major political and social organizations in and around Mavoor, with the exception of parties and associations tied to the current Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led Kerala government. This unity highlights the widespread frustration with both the government’s inaction and Grasim Industries’ failure to fulfill its obligations.
“The people of Mavoor, Kozhikode, and Malappuram have been waiting for justice for over two decades,” Rajendran said. “This land, meant for industrial development to serve the people of Kerala, has instead become a stark reminder of corporate apathy and bureaucratic inefficiency.”
Protests, rallies, and public demonstrations organized by the Samithi have exposed both the government’s silence and Grasim’s refusal to relinquish control of the idle land.
Idle Land Now a Threat to Livelihoods
Once a thriving industrial hub, the Mavoor site has been reduced to an overgrown wasteland overrun with wild forest growth. This has turned it into a haven for forest animals, posing significant threats to nearby communities. Local farmers frequently report incursions by animals destroying crops, jeopardizing their livelihoods, and causing fear and chaos in the region.
“This land, which could have driven industrial growth and economic prosperity, has instead become a constant threat to our lives,” lamented a local farmer. “Wildlife from the overgrown area destroys our fields and disrupts our livelihood. This is a betrayal of the purpose for which this land was acquired.”
Valappil Razack, Mavoor Grama Panchayat President reinforced the frustration of the people, saying, “This land belongs to the public, not a private entity that has abandoned its responsibilities. We will fight relentlessly until justice is served, and the land is repurposed to benefit the community.”
Kerala’s Land Crisis
Kerala is currently losing several critical projects approved by the Central government, including a proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), due to reasons such as delays in acquiring land or claims of land scarcity. The underutilization of vast parcels like the Mavoor land raises serious questions about the state government’s priorities and actions.
The Legal Battle: Delays and Injustice
The legal battle over the land has dragged on for decades. In 2017, the Kerala government ordered the resumption of 238.41 acres from Grasim Industries, intending to hand it over to KINFRA for the establishment of an industrial park. However, Grasim Industries challenged the order in the Kerala High Court and secured a stay.
Rajendran called out the inaction on the part of the government to pursue the case diligently, labeling it a “betrayal of public trust.” “Why hasn’t the Kerala government acted decisively? Why have public prosecutors failed to defend the rights of the people? This neglect is unacceptable,” he said.
A Direct Challenge to Kumar Mangalam Birla
The Mavoor Grasim Samara Samithi has issued a strong appeal to Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, which owns Grasim Industries.
“We demand that Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla meet with Grasim Samara Samithi representatives and local stakeholders to resolve this matter immediately,” said Rajendran. “If this demand is ignored, we will escalate our protests, including barring Grasim representatives from entering the land.”
The Samithi has also raised moral concerns about the Birla family’s philanthropic image. “How can a family known for charity and social responsibility justify holding on to 320.78 acres of idle land while thousands in Kerala, including Mavoor Panchayat, struggle without basic shelter? Why not return this land to the government or collaborate with the community for the greater good?” Rajendran asked.
A Critical Moment for Kerala
The issue of unutilized land is a pressing concern for Kerala, a state with limited land resources and significant developmental needs. Reclaiming and repurposing this land could create thousands of jobs, increase local revenue, and drive sustainable economic growth.
“This is not just a legal issue; it is a moral obligation,” Rajendran said. “The government, judiciary, and Grasim Industries must act swiftly and prioritize the welfare of the people over corporate indifference and bureaucratic delays.”
The Silence of the Kerala Government
The Grasim Samara Samithi has strongly criticized the Kerala government’s prolonged silence and lack of decisive action. “Why hasn’t the Kerala Land Reforms Act been invoked to reclaim this land?” Rajendran asked. “Why has the government allowed this case to drag on for 23 years without ensuring proper legal representation? Their silence is deafening and unacceptable.”
A Turning Point for Justice
The filing of the Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court through KMNP Law, backed by KPA National Council President Aswani Nambarambath, represents a critical juncture in the decades-long fight for justice.
“This fight is about fairness, accountability, and ensuring that corporations and governments prioritize the needs of the people,” Rajendran declared. “We will not stop until this land is reclaimed and used for the public good.”
As the people of Mavoor and surrounding areas await the Supreme Court’s decision, the Grasim Samara Samithi continues to lead a movement that has brought national attention to the injustices endured by the community. The ultimate question remains: Will justice finally prevail, or will the people’s voices continue to go unheard?
