Kerala HC Directs Cochin Devaswom Board To File DBA Seeking Specific Directions Regarding Solid Waste Management In Thekkinkadu Maidan During Thrissur Pooram
The Kerala High Court directed the Cochin Devaswom Board to file a DBA (Devaswom Board Appeal) 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.
A DBP (Devaswom Board Petition) was registered based on a report of the Ombudsman in a complaint which was the one filed by the petitioner i.e., the complainant regarding disposal of the waste accumulated in the compound of Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple in connection with Thrissur Pooram.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice G. Girish ordered, “Having considered the submissions made at the Bar, this DBP is disposed of in terms of the directions already issued in the order dated 26.07.2023 in DBP No.32 of 2023 and DBP No.35 of 2023 and also in the order dated 18.12.2023 in DBP No.83 of 2023. The directions contained in those orders shall be complied with in letter and spirit by all concerned. 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).”
Advocate Anchal C Vijayan represented the complainant/petitioner while Standing Counsel Santhosh P. Poduval represented the respondents.
Facts of the Case -
By the order dated July 26, 2023, Cochin Devaswom Board and Thrissur Municipal Corporation were directed to ensure that the entire Thekkinkadu Maidan is kept plastic-free and that the environmental safety levels are maintained in the entire Maidan in connection with plastic and non-biodegradable and also biodegradable substances. By another order, in addition to the directions contained in the order, it was ordered that the directions contained in the common judgment in K.B.Sumodh v. Commissioner, Cochin Devaswom Board and others [2023:KER:25530] shall be scrupulously followed by the Cochin Devaswom Board and Thrissur Municipal Corporation such as musical concerts by Rock Bands similar to that conducted on December 31, 2022 as ‘new year event’ in connection with Thrissur Shopping Festival and similar activities creating noise pollution and disturbance to the temple rituals and ceremonies shall not be permitted in Thekkinkadu Maidan, which is a Devaswom property.
It included other directions such as no part of Thekkinkadu Maidan shall be used by Cochin Devaswom Board or Thrissur Municipal Corporation for the disposal of biodegradable or non-biodegradable waste generated during Thrissur Pooram Festival, exhibitions, etc., and that the Board shall deploy sufficient number of security staff for watch and ward duty in Thekkinkadu Maidan. The Circle Inspector of Police, Town East Police Station, Thrissur was directed to have regular patrolling by the police, to ensure that Thekkinkadu Maidan is not used for any illegal activities, in any manner. A DBP was registered raising allegations relating to untoward incidents which occurred on Pooram day of 2023 in Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple and the same was disposed of. The Court directed the Board and its officials to prevent the entry of youth and others wearing footwear in the temple premises of Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple.
The High Court in the above context observed, “It is pertinent to note that, in view of the provisions under Rule 4 of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965, no person shall enter a place of public worship with any footwear.”
Accordingly, the High Court disposed of the DBP and issued necessary directions.
Cause Title- Narayanankutty K v. Cochin Devaswom Board & Ors. (Neutral Citation: 2024/KER/512)
