No evidence EMF emissions are harmful: Kerala HC

KERALA: In a landmark judgment, last week, the Kerala High Court ruled out of any possibility of harmful radiation from mobile towers. The court's full bench in a prima facie found that there was no evidence linking to any harmful effects of telecom towers on peoples' health.

The decision comes in response to a writ petition (WP 24569/2012) filed by Indus Towers seeking police protection for erecting towers at Peringmala in Nedumangad, Kerala. It had asked the Court to provide adequate protection against those objecting to establishing new towers, as there was no merit, following the absence of evidence that could corroborate health hazards.

ALSO READ: 7 operators in dock for violating radiation norms

In its order, the Kerala High Court observed that telecom towers affecting the health of people was an issue being debated across the world. There was no prima facie evidence linking any harmful effects of towers on people. It said that companies could not be obstructed from erecting and commissioning towers, once they receive the necessary approvals.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) welcomed this decision, and were fully committed to the sensitivities and concerns of customers. COAI believes that this landmark order will debunk several myths propagated by certain groups. "The verdict of the Kerala High Court will go a long way in the removal of fears about the safety of EMF emission from telecom towers all across India," said COAI DG, Rajan S. Mathews.

The landmark decision could pave the way to telecom operators to mitigate the penalty burden. Currently, the industry faces close to Rs 1,900 crores penalty on alleged EMF violations. In September 2012, the DoT lowered EMF emissions by 90 per cent, mandated by international regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO).