Kochi, Kerala: The Kerala High Court on Monday observed that the Supreme Court’s verdict on the eviction issue at Pariyathukavu in Kizhakkambalam is final and said the residents would ultimately have to be relocated in accordance with the apex court order.

However, the High Court granted the state government two weeks’ time to implement the Supreme Court directive, offering temporary relief to the newly sworn-in UDF government, for whom the Pariyathukavu eviction issue has emerged as an early administrative challenge.

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The two-week extension is expected to give the government time to hold discussions with the affected families as well as those who had secured favourable court orders, in an effort to arrive at a resolution.

The state government has entrusted Minister Roji M. John with handling the issue. Speaking earlier, the minister had said the government would present its concerns regarding the eviction process before the court.

He had also stated that if the court ruling did not favour the residents, the government would ensure rehabilitation for all affected families.

Meanwhile, CPM state secretary MV Govindan and secretariat member CN Mohanan are expected to visit Pariyathukavu on Monday to express solidarity with the residents.