Kerala High Court Refuses To Lift Ban On Munnar Glass Bridge, But Directs Collector To Revisit Issue
K. Salma Jennath
20 April 2026 12:30 PM IST
The Kerala High Court on Friday (April 17) directed the District Collector, Idukki to decide on the issue of re-opening of the glass bridge in Munnar that was erected without any permit from the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society.
The Division Bench of Justice Gopinath P. and Justice Johnson John gave the direction while considering an appeal against an interim order of the Single Judge refusing to stay an order prohibiting the use of the glass bridge.
The Single Judge had noted that no sanction has been given to regularise the construction and refused to stay the order since the matter is relating to public safety issue.The order prohibiting use was passed by the District Collector in his capacity as Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, noting that the bridge was constructed without permits from the Society.
Senior Counsel George Poonthottam submitted that a safety study of the glass bridge has been conducted through the National Institute of Technology, and it was reported by the Society vide communication dated April 16 that the bridge was safe for use and can be opened to the public.
The standing counsel for the Pallivasal Grama Panchayat submitted that permission from the panchayat was also not obtained before construction.
Taking note of the submissions, opined that the Single Judge was right in not staying the District Collector's order:
“we are of the opinion that the learned Single Judge was right in refusing the interim relief staying the operation of Ext.P16 as any permission to use the glass bridge would involve issues of public safety.”
However, it was of the opinion that the District Collector has to take a decision in the matter taking note of the subsequent developments in the case after hearing the appellants, the Panchayat Secretary and the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society.
The District Collector is to take a decision within one month.
Case No: WA No. 923 of 2026
Case Title: Neonova Munnar LLP and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 209
Counsel for the appellants: George Poonthottam (Sr.), Nisha George
Counsel for the respondents: Sreelakshmi Sabu – Standing counsel, K.M. Faisal – Government Pleader
Click to Read/Download Judgment
Click to Read/Download Interim Order in WP(C) No. 8498 of 2026