The Kerala High Court has directed the Pathanamthitta District Collector to grant permission to conduct the Pamba Boat Race on February 1.

The District Police Chief must deploy adequate number of police personnel for the smooth conduct of the event and to maintain law and order, and the Pamba Boat Race Club ought to bear the expenses for their deployment, said a Bench of Justice N. Nagaresh.

The directive comes in the wake of the alleged refusal of the district administration to grant permission to the club for a revised date to hold the race. The government pleader submitted that the club’s request could be considered.

The boat race could not be held on September 19, 2025, since a Champions Boat League tournament was held on the same day. It was rescheduled to be held on December 28, and later on February 1.

The petition has been posted for hearing on February 20.