The local Elapully grama panchayat in Palakkad has made a bold decision to challenge the State government in the Kerala High Court. The core of their grievance is a highly disputed brewery project within their jurisdiction.
This legal battle stems from the State government’s approval of Oasis Commercial Pvt. Ltd.’s brewery plans in Elapully. Crucially, this approval was granted without any consultation with the local panchayat, a move that has ignited widespread public protests.
On Monday, September 29, 2025, the panchayat’s governing council officially voted to pursue legal action against the State. They argue that the government has overstepped its bounds and infringed upon the rights of local self-governing bodies. The decision wasn’t unanimous: nine Congress members, who currently lead the panchayat, supported the motion, as did five Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members. However, eight Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] members voted against it.
Revathy Babu, the panchayat president, emphasized that critical local concerns, including land usage, the protection of vital paddy fields and wetlands, ensuring adequate drinking water supplies, and effective waste management, are firmly within the panchayat’s purview.
The council intends to argue in court that sanctioning an industrial project with potential environmental hazards, without first securing the panchayat’s endorsement and in disregard of established civic regulations, directly contradicts the best interests of its residents.
Interestingly, the panchayat secretary had previously advised the governing body that using government funds for a lawsuit against the State would not be viable. Despite this, the council has directed the secretary to consult with the government pleader to explore the proper legal avenues for pursuing the case.
Further complicating matters, the Oasis company reportedly bypassed the governing body entirely, seeking direct approval for its layout plan from the Town Planner. When the panchayat’s leadership raised objections, the secretary allegedly invoked amended rules, claiming that the governing council’s approval was no longer necessary. President Babu sharply criticized this sidestepping, viewing it as an act against local interests and a deliberate attempt to undermine the panchayat’s legitimate authority. She has confirmed her intention to challenge these actions in court.