The Kerala High Court has ordered a Devaswom officer to explain violations of court-mandated norms during the Poornathrayeesa temple festival in Thripunithura. The Bench of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Gopinath P took strict action after identifying lapses in elephant parade guidelines.
Based on reports from the Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh and the District Monitoring Committee Chairman, Devaswom officer Raghu Raman was found responsible for non-compliance with the court’s directives.
“We deem it appropriate to direct Raghu Raman, the Devaswom officer of the Thripunithura Sri Poornathrayeesa Temple, to file an affidavit before this Court giving his explanation for the lapses,” the Court ordered. The officer must submit his explanation by 9 December 2024, with a warning that an unsatisfactory response could result in contempt of court proceedings.
The Bench was particularly critical of violations during the Vrischikolsavam festival’s fourth day when elephants were paraded without maintaining the court-mandated three-meter minimum distance. The State’s Forest Department had already filed a case against the temple for flouting parade rules.
In a stern message, the Court told the District Collector: “We seem to have a Devaswom officer who refuses to comply with the guidelines. Please make sure that the guidelines are followed. If he doesn’t follow, you can proceed with action. This is only for the safety of the people thronging the temples and not to hurt anyone’s ego. You can remove that officer if required.”
The Court has requested the Ernakulam District Collector to file a detailed report by 11 December 2024, documenting any violations and steps taken to ensure compliance with elephant welfare guidelines.
Additionally, the Bench asked the State and amicus curiae to suggest mechanisms ensuring full compliance with elephant welfare guidelines. They proposed that future elephant parade permissions should require confirmation of proper feeding, rest, and transportation of the animals.
The matter will be heard again on 11 December 2024, with Additional Advocate General Ashok M Cheriyan representing the State and Advocate KP Sudheer representing the Cochin Devaswom Board.
(With inputs from Bar and Bench)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.