Kerala High Court Asks District Collector To Grant Permission For Pamba Boat Race

The petitioners had approached the High Court seeking directions to conduct the Boat Race on February 1, 2026.

The Single Bench of Justice N. Nagaresh held, “In view of the afore facts, there will be an interim order directing the District Collector to grant permission to the petitioners to conduct the Boat Race at the specified location. The District Police Chief shall direct deployment of sufficient police personnel to maintain law and order during the conduct of the race. The expenses for such deployment shall be met by the petitioners.”

Advocate Indu Susan Jacob represented the Applicant, while Government Pleader represented the Respondent.

It was brought to the Court’s notice that, though directions were earlier passed to the District Collector to grant permission to the petitioners to conduct the Boat Race at the specified location on February 28, 2025, the Boat Race could not be conducted on that date in view of an agreement by the CBL with the boat owners.

Taking note of the Government Pleader’s submission that the request could be considered, the Bench directed the District Collector to grant permission to the petitioners to conduct the Boat Race at the specified location.

The Bench also ordered the deployment of sufficient police personnel to maintain law and order during the race.

The writ petition has now been posted on February 20, 2026.

Cause Title: Pamba Boat Race Club v. State of Kerala (Case No.: WP(C) No.32982/2025)

Appearance

Applicant: Advocates Liju.V. Stephen, Indu Susan Jacob and Taj K. Tom

Respondent: Advocates Joseph George, P.A. Rejimon and Vivekjos Puthukulangara

Click here to read/download Order