The Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission has strongly opposed the legal action taken by the Forest Department against Bishop Mar George Punnakottil and 23 others, including elected representatives, for participating in a peaceful foot march. The protest was organized to demand the reopening of the historic Aluva-Munnar royal road, which has been unlawfully barricaded by the Forest Department, restricting public access.

The Aluva-Munnar road, an important route under the Public Works Department, has been in use since the royal era. However, the stretch from Pooyamkutty to Perumbankuthu has been forcibly taken over and blocked by the Forest Department, preventing vehicular movement and denying citizens their rightful passage. This section, which provides a direct and convenient route to Munnar, has historically been open for public use.

Last Sunday, thousands participated in a public march advocating for the reopening of this road. Bishop Mar Punnakottil, along with elected representatives Dean Kuriakose M.P. and Antony John M.L.A., joined the march, only to later face legal charges filed by the Forest Department. The Commission has labeled these actions as unjust and a direct challenge to public rights.

Criticizing the Forest Department’s encroachment on a road that predates the Indian Forest Act of 1927, the Commission highlighted that this route is officially documented in public works records and features existing bridges and boundary markers. The filing of a case against peaceful marchers for walking on a recognized public road is seen as a clear violation of fundamental rights. It was emphasized that no protester had trespassed into forest land; they merely exercised their right to movement on a legitimate road.

The Syro-Malabar Church has expressed strong disapproval of the Forest Department’s overreach and its unjustified imposition of authority. The Commission calls upon the government to intervene immediately, withdraw all cases against the protesters, including Bishop Mar Punnakottil, and restore public access to the historic road without delay.