Kochi: The Kerala High Court has ruled that shade-providing trees along roadsides should not be cut on flimsy grounds, such as obstructing businesses or casting shadows on nearby buildings. The court directed that the Chief Secretary should issue necessary orders to this effect.

Quoting the renowned late poet Sugathakumari’s famous poem, “Oru Thai Nadam Namakku Ammekku Vendi, Oru Thai Nadam Kochu Makallku Vendi,” Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan delivered the verdict.

The court stated that trees could only be cut if they posed a threat to people's lives. The government order dated 10th February 2010, which regulates the felling of trees on government land, must be strictly followed. Trees shall only be cut as per the decision of the concerned committee, it noted.

The court’s ruling came while rejecting a petition filed by Mustafa, a native of Pattambi, against the forest department’s denial of permission to cut trees near buildings on the Palakkad-Ponnani state highway via Pattambi.