Kerala HC dismisses PIL challenging Lakshadweep administration's reform measures

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL challenging the Lakshadweep administrations reform measures including the move to introduce Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation 2021 (LDAR) and the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) in the islands.

The division bench headed by Justice LP Bhatia considered the plea. The court dismissed the plea, observing that the alleged reform measures were at draft stage.

The PIL was filed by Congress leader K P Noushad Ali. The petitioner had alleged that the newly introduced PASA gives powers to the administration to detain a person without any public disclosure for a period of up to one year.

The petitioner had also requested to immediately stay the reforms which the court did not allow. Instead of this, the high court sought the response of the Central government and Lakshadweep administration on the issue.

Lakshadweep administration responded to this saying the enforcement of reforms are in the initial phase only and the decision regarding this will be taken after considering the public opinion also.

Meanwhile, the high court will consider the anticipatory bail plea filed by filmmaker Aisha Sultana on Thursday. Lakshadweep administration made it clear in the court that she made the 'biological weapon' remark in order to develop hatred among the people against the government.

Mere apologising for the remark cannot quash the sedition charges and legal action cannot be stopped. So, Aisha's anticipatory bail plea should be rejected, it is stated in the explanatory note submitted by senior standing counsel S Manu on behalf of Lakshadweep senior superintendent of police.

(With inputs from PTI)