Eviction attempt triggers high tension at Dalit settlement in Kunnathunadu

Key points

• Tension prevailed at Malayidomthuruth near Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) after an attempt to evict seven Scheduled Caste families, following a Supreme Court order, triggered protests and clashes with police.
• The eviction drive was later suspended on the directive of newly sworn-in Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
• The eviction at Pareeyathukavu Unnathi, a Dalit settlement, was the 15th such attempt by an Advocate Commission led by senior lawyer Jayapalan M.K.
• The move follows a Supreme Court verdict four years ago in favour of a private individual in a land dispute involving 2.65 acres allegedly falling within 19.30 acres of puramboke land.
• The court ordered eviction of the occupants before measuring and demarcating the land.