Kochi, February 17 – In a major setback for the Pinarayi Vijayan government, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday struck down the controversial "Nava Kerala Survey," calling it unlawful and questioning how it was funded and executed.
The ruling comes amid growing opposition allegations that the exercise was politically motivated and aimed at gathering information for the LDF's election manifesto.
The Court made it clear that there was neither a proper budget allocation nor financial approval for the program.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the government's explanations, the Bench, which included the Chief Justice, raised serious doubts about the source and use of funds.
While observing that there was nothing inherently wrong in conducting surveys to understand public needs, the Court questioned whether the initiative was, in effect, a political exercise carried out under official cover.
The survey had been presented as an outreach effort to gather feedback on welfare schemes and development initiatives.
Volunteers were identified through an online portal, and door-to-door visits were conducted across the state.
However, petitioners contended that party cadres were being deployed and government machinery was being misused for partisan purposes.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan welcomed the verdict, describing it as a clear rebuke to the Pinarayi Vijayan government.
"Public funds are being used for private interests. This is completely unacceptable," Satheesan said, asserting that the judgment vindicated the opposition's stand.
He further alleged that similar exercises may be underway in other departments.
"We now hear that Forest Department staff are starting a survey by visiting homes near forest areas. If it is not stopped, we will intervene. The duty of forest staff is to protect people and forests, not to engage in unrelated activities," he warned.
The Kerala High Court's order came in response to two petitions seeking to halt the survey and followed repeated directions to the government to provide clear records regarding funding.
Finding the affidavits unsatisfactory and the explanations lacking clarity, the Court declared that proceeding with the survey would be illegal.
With elections on the horizon, the verdict has intensified the political battle in Kerala, placing the government on the defensive and sharpening scrutiny over the use of state resources in the run-up to the polls.
