Kerala High Court Upholds Lulu Mall’s Right to Levy Parking Fees, Dismisses Appeal

The Kerala High Court dismissed an appeal challenging Lulu International Shopping Mall’s collection of parking fees in Kochi. A Division Bench of Justices SA Dharmadhikari and Syam Kumar VM upheld the single-judge ruling that the mall owner could charge visitors if holding a municipal licence.

The single judge had distinguished the basement parking, where fees were lawful, from the adjacent multi-level parking lacking a licence.

Petitioners contended the levy violated the Kerala Municipality Act and building rules. The Court allowed fee collection to continue legally, subject to municipal licensing requirements. 

[Bosco Louis v State of Kerala & Ors.]