Kerala HC Initiates Suo Muto Proceedings On News Report About Govt Managed Temple's Ritual Involving Devottees Washing Feet Of Brahmins

The Kerala High Court has initiated suo moto proceedings based on a newspaper report about a ritual being conducted at the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple at Ernakulam, Kerala functioning under the Cochin Devaswom Board of Kerala government.

The ritual allegedly involves the devotees washing the feet of 12 Brahmins as atonement for sins.

The Court initiated a suo moto proceedings on February 4, arraying the State of Kerala, Cochin Devaswom Board and Devasom Officer as party respondents. The proceedings were initiated by the Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P. G. Ajithkumar. 

On Tuesday, when the matter was listed before the same Bench, which hears matter related to Devawom Boards, the Standing Counsel for the Cochin Devaswom Board submitted that it is the 'Thantri' or the head priest of the temple who washes the feet of Brahmins and not the devotees, as a part of a ritual called 'Panthrandu Namaskaram'.

The Bench adjourned the matter to February 25 after the Devaswom Board sought time to file an affidavit.

Click here to read/download the Order