Kerala HC: State Must Pay Rent and Compensation for Using Private Property During Covid-19

The Kerala High Court held that the State is legally bound to pay rent and compensation for using a private medical and dental college and its equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

The Court noted that the building had valid approvals from the Grama Panchayat, including NOC and a completion certificate.

The court rejected the District Collector’s claim that the building was unauthorised and found the denial of rent for equipment arbitrary. The matter was remanded to the District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority for fresh consideration.

[SR Educational & Charitable Trust v. State of Kerala and Ors.]