Kerala HC Pulls Cochin Devaswom Official For Violating Guidelines Regulating Parading Of Elephants At Temple Festivals, Seeks Affidavit

Last week, the Court had dismissed an application moved by the Devaswom Board for modification of the 3-meter distance rule between Elephants paraded at the Thripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple festival from November 29 to December 06.

The Division Bench of Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Gopinath P. observed that the temple authorities had violated the directions of the Court and that Elephants were paraded within distances of less than 3 meters. 

“We deem it appropriate to direct the said, Mr Raghu Raman, Devaswom Officer of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple in Thripunithura to file an affidavit before this Court giving his explanation for the lapses stated to have been occurred on his part and showing cause as to why further action should not be initiated against him under the provisions of Contempt of Courts Act and Rules,” the Court ordered.

It also took note of other violations of the Court's guidelines by the Temple authorities and observed that even though the violations were brought to the notice of the Devaswom official, he was not ready to comply with the guidelines issued by the Court.

The Court warned that any violation of its guidelines will not be taken lightly and strict actions will be taken. “We consider this as a direct upfront to the authority of this Court and you are aware of the provisions of the Travancore Cochin Hindu Religions Institutions Act. It enables the High Court to even remove members, we will not hesitate to use that powers also… you can't just do anything in the name of religion…you have to show some concern for the millions of flock there…we would expect Devaswom Officials to act in a responsible manner…only one breach is enough to cancel the festival permission granted to you the only reason we are not doing it is because millions of people have come for the festival. Don't make a mockery of it," the Court orally remarked.

It has now directed the Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh, appearing in online mode, to ensure that the guidelines, including the 3-meters distance and 3-days rest, are strictly followed. The Court further directed the Collector to depute officers for day-to-day monitoring of the Temple festival to ensure compliance with the guidelines and to take action for non-compliance.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on December 11 (Wednesday).

Case Number: WP(C) 31520/2024 & Connected Cases

Case Title: In Re Captive Elephants v Union of India Connected Cases