Kerala HC Enquires Status Of Investigation Into Alleged Ponnambalamedu Trespassing Incident

“…Having considered the report of the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala and also the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to direct the learned Senior Government Pleader to get necessary instructions from the 9th respondent Deputy Director and also the additional 10th respondent District Police Chief on the present stage of the investigation.”, a bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar observed in the matter.

The bench has listed the matter for May 24, 2023. 

In the case at hand, a report was filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala regarding an alleged criminal trespass of certain unauthorized persons into the sacred ‘Kalthara’ of Ponnambalamedu which is inside the core area of Periyar Tiger Reserve, West Division, a wildlife sanctuary, coming within the Pamba Range of Pachakkanam Forest Station.

The case that was registered on the complaint was under Sections 27 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act and Section 27(1)(e)(iv) of the Kerala Forest Act and the report has already been forwarded to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Ranni.

Pursuant to this a crime has also been registered alleging the commission of offences under Sections 295, 295A, 447, and 34 of the India Penal Code and the investigation is going on currently.

The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, had referred to Sreeni Pattathanam v. State of Kerala, 2011 (3) KHC 33 in the matter.

Accordingly, the bench while giving time to seek instructions, sought information on the current stage of investigation into the matter.

Cause Title: Suo Motu v. Union of India & Ors.