Hope After Long Legal Battle: Grasim Case to Be Heard After Onam Holidays

After years of delays, there is finally renewed hope in the long-standing legal battle over the Grasim land case. The Kerala High Court will hear the petition (WP(C) 33103/2017) filed by KPA which demands that the land in Mavoor, Kozhikode, illegally occupied by Grasim for over 23 years, be reclaimed by the government once the Onam holidays conclude. The state had originally acquired the Mavoor land in 1959 under the EMS government, with the vision of promoting Malabar’s industrial development through the Grasim factory. However, severe pollution of the Chaliyar River led to widespread public protests, forcing the company to shut down its operations. Although the factory officially ceased functioning on July 1, 2001, the company has failed to return the land to the government as per the original agreement. The contract with Gwalior Rayons clearly stipulated that if pulp and fiber production were discontinued, the 238.41 acres of land would revert to government ownership. Despite this condition being unambiguously documented, Grasim continues to unlawfully occupy the land. Sadly, instead of enforcing the agreement, the state government has been accused of colluding with the Birla Group, making no sincere efforts to reclaim the property. The current High Court case stands as undeniable proof of this alleged collusion. Over the past three years, government lawyers have delayed proceedings by failing to submit counter affidavits on 22 occasions without any legitimate justification. Grasim management is actively opposing KPA’s efforts to intervene in the case and expose this prolonged violation. Despite various attempts to distract and evade the core issue, we remain firmly committed to pursuing the legal path. While several vital development projects, including an AIIMS facility, face delays due to the lack of suitable land, acres of prime government-owned land lie idle in Mavoor. If reclaimed, this land could serve the people by enabling essential projects like AIIMS and other industries that would contribute to regional development. In this regard, I, as KPA Chairman, had sent an open letter to Union Minister Shri Suresh Gopi immediately after he assumed office, requesting intervention. KPA's effort to become a party to the case is not just about legal rights; it’s about preventing the illegal transfer of more than 300 acres of land through secretive arrangements between the state government and Grasim. With public protests and legal action, KPA will continue its fight. Just as the multinational giant Coca-Cola was forced to withdraw from Plachimada, I believe that the day is not far when Birla will be compelled to vacate Mavoor. Our legal battle will go on with determination and the support of the people.