The judgment underscores the necessity of compliance with licensing for ferry services across water bodies.

J U D G M E N T

The petitioner has filed the captioned writ petition, seeking the following reliefs;

“(i) Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing respondents 1 to 6 to conduct ferry service across Vembanadu Backwaters, in between Makkekadavu in Cherthala Taluk, Alappuzha District and Nerekadavu in Vaikom Taluk, Kottayam District only with vessels having valid licence, permit, insurance and such other necessary requirements;

(ii) Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing respondents 1 to 6 to prevent the 7^th respondent from conducting ferry service across Vembanadu Backwaters, in between Makkekadavu in Cherthala Taluk, Alappuzha District and Nerekadavu in Vaikom Taluk, Kottayam District by employing vessel bearing No. KIV/ALP /CV/1480/15 which is having no valid licence, permit, insurance and such other necessary requirements.”

2. While admitting the writ petition on 12.04.2023, this Court had directed the Kerala Maritime Board to ensure that the ferry services are conducted by the Panchayat, adhering to the licences and clearances required from the statutory authorities.

3. In view of the interim order passed as above, and taking into account the averments contained in the writ petition, I am of the opinion that this writ petition can be disposed of in terms of the interim order referred to as above.

Accordingly, this writ petition would stand disposed of, making the interim order dated 12.04.2023 absolute.

Sd/-