Kerala High Court Seeks Affidavit Raising Specific Grievances In 'Thee Chamundi Theyyam' Matter Involving Alleged Endangerment Of Children
In the theyyam matter before the Kerala High Court, a division bench comprising of Chief Justice A J Desai and Justice VG Arun directed the petitioner to file an additional affidavit cogently and precisely raising the specific grievances in the matter.In the plea filed by the NGO Dhisha, it had been alleged that the ritualistic dance performance, also known as 'Ottakolam Theyyam', which is...
In the theyyam matter before the Kerala High Court, a division bench comprising of Chief Justice A J Desai and Justice VG Arun directed the petitioner to file an additional affidavit cogently and precisely raising the specific grievances in the matter.
In the plea filed by the NGO Dhisha, it had been alleged that the ritualistic dance performance, also known as 'Ottakolam Theyyam', which is held by the Chirakkal Kovilakam and Chirakkal Temple Trust in connection with their annual function, involves the children being thrown to the embers a minimum of 101 times, and was thus too dangerous for children to participate in.
The plea filed through Advocate A.K. Preetha argued that the practice adversely affects the well-being of the children participating in the dance, apart from affecting their right to life. It has also been alleged that the children selected to perform the Theyyam dance often belong to the marginalized scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities, thus rendering the performance a 'relic of the feudal past'.
The High Court had previously directed the WCD Secretary to propose steps to ensure that children are not compelled to perform the ritual.
A previous order dated 31.10.2023 had directed the government of Kerala to monitor the issue.
Case Title: Dhisha v. Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: WP (C) No. 15800 of 2023