The Kerala High Court has declined to grant immediate relief to the operators of a glass bridge in Munnar whose tourist operations were stopped by district authorities over safety and permission concerns. However, the court directed the District Collector, Idukki, to take a fresh decision after hearing all sides within one month.
Background of the Case
The appeal was filed by Neonova Munnar LLP and another petitioner after a Single Judge earlier refused to stay an order stopping use of the glass bridge at Anachal, Munnar.
The original communication had been issued by the District Collector, acting as Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority. It prohibited use of the bridge for tourism activities. Authorities also noted that the structure had allegedly been built without permission from the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS).
Senior counsel appearing for the appellants informed the Division Bench that after the stop-use order, a safety study had been directed and carried out through the National Institute of Technology, Calicut.
It was further submitted that KATPS had issued a communication dated April 16, 2026 stating that the glass bridge was safe for use and could be opened to the public.
On the other side, counsel for the Pallivasal Grama Panchayat argued that no permission had been taken from the Panchayat for construction of the bridge. The Government Pleader also submitted that the issue had to be decided by the District Collector.
The Bench agreed that the Single Judge was justified in refusing interim relief at that stage because the matter involved public safety.
“The learned Single Judge was right in refusing the interim relief… as any permission to use the glass bridge would involve issues of public safety,” the Bench observed.
At the same time, the judges noted later developments, including the communication from KATPS regarding safety clearance.
Disposing of the writ appeal, the High Court directed the District Collector, Idukki, to reconsider the matter afresh after taking note of the April 16 communication and after hearing the appellants, KATPS, and the Panchayat authorities.
The court ordered that fresh orders be passed as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within one month from receipt of the certified copy of the judgment.
Case Details
Case Title: Neonova Munnar LLP & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Case Number: W.A. No. 923 of 2026
Judge: Justice Gopinath P. and Justice Johnson John
Decision Date: April 17, 2026
