T’puram: State human rights commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has directed the district legal services authority to examine the dispute over the ownership of a pathway listed in the asset register of Perumkadavila panchayat and find a permanent solution to the issue. The dispute arose after an individual claimed ownership of the pathway, which is being used by several people, including a blind person.K Sugathan (69), a blind person residing in Tathiyoor, has complained that another resident has obstructed his freedom of movement by building a wall, blocking the 2m-wide pathway. In a report submitted to SHRC, Perunkadavila panchayat secretary stated that although the pathway is in the panchayat’s asset register, its authenticity could not be established. The panel pointed out that this claim is peculiar and subsequently requested joint director of LSG department to probe the matter. The joint director reported that the opposing party claimed the wall was built on their property and that the visually impaired person was only verbally permitted to use the path out of humanitarian consideration. The path was not officially registered in the name of the panchayat, according to the official. However, it is unclear how the path was included in the panchayat’s asset register. SHRC transferred the case to district legal services authority secretary because there is a possibility of amicably resolving the path-related dispute. The commission suggested hearing the complainant, the opposing party, the panchayat president, secretary, village officer and LSG joint director to resolve the issue mutually.Justice Thomas instructed district authority secretary to pass an award under the provisions of Kerala Legal Services Authority Act, 1987, for a permanent resolution if both parties are willing to settle the complaint.
