Summary: On November 25, 2025, the Kerala High Court rejected Harold Nicholson's request to overturn an approval related to a land purchase in a coastal regulation zone. The court found that the approval was properly given despite claims of mistakes in the process.
Harold Nicholson, along with several others, filed a request against the Registrar of Co-operative Societies in Kerala. The case was heard by Judge A. Badharudeen at the High Court in Ernakulam.
The people who filed the request were challenging an approval (Ext.P5) issued on July 4, 2025. This approval was connected to the purchase of land by the Korampadam Service Co-operative Bank in a coastal regulation zone (CRZ) without proper permission. They argued that buying land in a CRZ isn't against the law by itself.
Nicholson's lawyer argued that the approval was not right because it was based only on the purchase of property in a CRZ, which isn't against the law on its own. They mentioned past court decisions that said approvals must be given with careful thought and not just as a routine step.
“The grant of approval is not an empty formality but a serious act which protects public workers from unnecessary legal action.”
The court noted that the land was bought for Rs. 1,22,36,000, which was much higher than the estimated value of Rs. 69,73,401.28. This raised concerns about financial loss to the society, justifying the approval. The court also pointed out that the purchase was made before getting necessary permissions, breaking Rule 54 of the Kerala Co-operative Societies Rules, 1969.
Judge A. Badharudeen decided that the approval was valid, as it was based on the available evidence and followed the rules. The court dismissed the request, allowing the investigation to continue.
The case shows how important it is to follow legal steps in land deals, especially in sensitive areas like coastal zones.
