Kochi: The Kerala High Court has quashed orders and notices issued by local self-governing bodies and the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA), alleging violations of regulations under the Coastal Management Act.

According to a notification dated January 18, 2019, related to the Coastal Management Act, the distance limit was reduced from 200 to 50 meters. However, this reduction was not taken into consideration when the local bodies and KCZMA issued notices and orders.

Aside from denying permission for new construction, notices were issued indicating that completed construction would be deemed illegal. Building permits were also denied as a result. Justice Amit Rawal nullified these orders.

The court has recommended reconsideration of the applications and appropriate action regarding construction permissions.

The court observed that denying provisions based on the new regulations (2019) violates constitutional rights regarding land usage. Currently, the 200-meter limit applies only to beach-like areas. 

Various individuals, including the owners of KGA Hotels and Resorts Private Limited and Marad, had approached the High Court, questioning the notices issued by the KCZMA and various local bodies that disrupted the construction process.