KSHRC mandates uninterrupted power supply for Munnar school

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has ordered that the electricity connection to the Government Higher Secondary School in Munnar remain restored until the ownership of the land is clarified.

Commission chairman Alexander Thomas issued the order after the commission registered a suo motu case based on recent news reports about disconnection of electricity and water supply to the school. The commission had earlier last October ordered the restoration of the electricity connection.

Sub-Collector Devikulam appeared before the commission during a session held at Thódupuzha. In his report, the sub-collector said that Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company is providing power to the school. According to the report, the company claimed that the school was located on its land and that the electricity connection could only be restored temporarily. Meanwhile, the school principal said the company had warned that if the school did not provide the land ownership documents, electricity would be disconnected again.

The commission directed the sub-collector to verify the income documents in his possession and determine the official ownership of the school building and land. If Kanan Devan’s claim is proved to be valid, a joint meeting with the school and society authorities must be convened to secure a written agreement from the society to ensure the continuous functioning of the school.

The Commission ordered that these actions be completed within a period of two to three months. It was further ordered that the electrical connection shall remain uninterrupted throughout the duration of this process. In addition, the sub-collector is required to submit a report on the measures taken to the commission.

Published – 21 May 2026 20:08 IST