The Supreme Court of India on 30 July 2025 issued a notice in a Special Leave Petition (Civil) Diary No. 28480/2025, arising from the impugned judgment of the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam, dated 19 August 2022, in LAAPP No. 307/2019. The case pertains to a land acquisition dispute involving the petitioners Varghese & another and the State of Kerala along with other respondents.
Background and Proceedings
The petitioners approached the Supreme Court challenging the Kerala High Court’s ruling in a land acquisition matter. The High Court had earlier dismissed their appeal regarding compensation or other connected reliefs under LAAPP 307/2019.
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To bring the matter before the apex court, the petitioners filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) seeking the court’s intervention. However, as is common in appellate processes, the petition involved a delay in both initial filing and refiling due to certain procedural defects.
“Issue notice on the application for condonation of delay as well as on the Special Leave Petition, returnable on 24.09.2025. Tag with Civil Appeal No. 7460/2023.”— Bench comprising Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi
The Court, while considering the request for condonation of delay, did not dismiss the plea outright. Instead, it showed procedural leniency by issuing notice on both the application for condonation of delay and the main SLP. The matter has been made returnable on 24 September 2025.
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In a significant procedural step, the bench ordered that the current SLP be tagged with Civil Appeal No. 7460/2023, indicating that the issues involved are related or similar in nature and would be heard together.
The petitioners were represented by Advocate Mr. S. Krishnamoorthy, with assistance from Ms. Sweena Madhavan Nair (AOR) and Ms. Yogita, Advocate. The order does not reflect submissions made on behalf of the respondents, which likely indicates their appearance is yet to be recorded or formal notices are pending.
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The next date of hearing is scheduled for 24 September 2025, when the Supreme Court is expected to hear both the delay applications and potentially begin addressing the substantive legal issues in conjunction with the tagged Civil Appeal. Until then, the matter remains under judicial consideration.
Case Title: Varghese & Anr. vs. State of Kerala & Ors.
Case Type: Special Leave Petition (Civil) – SLP (C) Diary No. 28480/2025
Arising Out of: LAAPP No. 307/2019 from the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam
Date of High Court Judgment: 19 August 2022
