Kerala High Court Asks Cochin Devaswom Board To File Appeal Seeking Directions For Solid Waste Management During Thrissur Pooram

“The Cochin Devaswom Board is directed to file a DBA, with the Thiruvambady Devaswom, Paramekkavu Devaswom, Thrissur Pooram Exhibition Committee and Thrissur Municipal Corporation in the party, seeking specific directions regarding solid waste management in Thekkinkadu Maidan, during Thrissur Pooram of the year 1199 ME (2024)”, ordered the Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice G Girish.

The above order was based on a complaint received regarding the disposal of waste accumulated in the compound of Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple (Thekkinadu Maidan) in connection with the Thrissur Pooram in 2022.

The allegations raised by the petitioner were that after the Thrissur Pooram, entire waste would be accumulated in the temple premises. It was alleged that waste disposal was not carried out scientifically. It was also alleged that burying waste unscientifically would cause water pollution.

After considering the complaint, the Ombudsman found there was an absence of specific directions regarding the disposal of waste accumulated during the Pooram. Additionally, the Ombudsman stated that it does not have the jurisdiction to issue directions to the State Government and the Thrissur Municipal Corporation regarding the disposal of waste accumulated during the Pooram. Thus, the complaint lodged by the petitioner was referred to the High Court by the Ombudsman.

The Court on earlier occasions have also considered similar issues and it had directed the Cochin Devaswom Board and Thrissur Municipal Corporation to ensure that the area surrounding the temple be kept plastic-free and to ensure that environmental safety levels are maintained by proper disposal of plastic, bio-degradable and non-biodegradable waste.

In an earlier order, it had also directed that musical concerts and other activities that create noise pollution affecting the temple rituals should not be conducted on temple premises. It was also directed to the Cochin Devaswom Board and Thrissur Municipal Corporation that no part of the temple premises shall be used for disposal of biodegradable or non-biodegradable waste generated during Thrissur Pooram or other events.

In an earlier order, the Court had also directed the Cochin Devaswom Board and officials to ensure that youth were not entering the temple premises by wearing footwear. This was based on Rule 4 of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965 which states that no person shall enter a place of public worship with any footwear.

It disposed of the instant petition with direction to comply with all the aforementioned orders and asked the Cochin Devaswom Board to file an appeal seeking directions for waste management during Thrissur Pooram.

Counsel for the complainant: Advocate Anchal C VIjayan

Appearance: Standing Counsels Sathosh P Poduval, K P Sudheer, Senior Government Pleader S Rajmohan, Amicus Curiae P Ramachandran, Advocate Govind G Nair

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 31

Case title: Narayanankutty K v Cochin Devaswom Board

Case number: DBP NO.3 OF 2023

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