‘Inordinate delay’: Kerala HC orders ₹50,000 compensation to Ernakulam woman in case against forest dept

A former assistant professor from Ernakulam, Maymol P Davis, has won a legal battle against the Kerala Forest Department, securing ₹50,000 in compensation for the “inordinate delay” in receiving funds for land she surrendered under the Rebuild Kerala Development Programme. The Kerala High Court, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M, acknowledged the delay was entirely the department’s fault and noted Maymol argued her case independently after self-studying law.

Maymol initially surrendered her land in 2023 due to frequent wildlife incursions but faced delays due to a missing title deed. Despite a previous High Court order in July 2024 for ₹45 lakh in compensation, disbursement occurred only in August 2025 after multiple contempt petitions. She then sought ₹3 lakh for the ordeal, and the recent ₹50,000 award recognizes the mental stress she endured.

Maymol, a vlogger, stated the litigation impacted her income, but she hopes her success will empower others to seek justice. She has also recently won a case restoring her name to the voters’ list and is preparing a public interest litigation on behalf of others facing similar delays from the Forest Department. She lives with her mother, a cancer patient, and her brother.

(Source：Malayala Manorama)