Kerala HC Seeks State's Response On Plea Alleging Police Interference In Conduct Of 'Thrissur Pooram', Seeking Action Against District Police Chief Ankit Asokan

The Kerala High Court has sought response from the Respondents, including the State of Kerala, in a Writ Petition alleging the use of excessive force and restrictions by Police, obstructing the proper conduct of the Temple festival of Vadakkumnathan Temple, popularly known as the "Thrissur Pooram".

The plea also seeks disciplinary and other actions against Ankit Asokan, IPS, the District Police Chief of Thrissur who allegedly misused his powers to "wreak havoc and to disrupt and obstruct the centuries-old traditions and customs of the Temple".

The Bench of Justice VG Arun and Justice S Manu adjourned by matter for instructions of Respondents. Senior Advocate S Sanal Kumar along with Advocate V. Sajith Kumar appeared for the Petitioner.

The Petition filed by one P. Sudhakaran, an office bearer of Hindu Aikya Vedi, arrays Ankit Asokan as a party Respondent, in addition to the Devaswom and Home Departments of the State, State Police Chief and other police officials.

"The conduct of the events as chalked out by Sri. Sakthan Thampuran has been followed scrupulously till date, without an iota of error or change, but for the present obstruction at the instance of Sri. Ankit Asokan, the District Police Chief of Thrissur City with the connivance of State Government", the petition says.

As per the Petitioner, police officers at the instance of Ankit Asokan obstructed the passage of the elephant procession through the destined path causing a disruption of the traditional rituals and customary traditions associated with the Temple. It is further alleged that the Police prevented the traditional customary practice of parading Elephants from the Paramekavu and Thiruvampady Devaswoms on the night of April 19 by barricading all entry/exit points to the Swaraj Round, thereby denying access to the elephant carrying idol from Thiruvampady to the Sakthan Round to carry out the “Madathil Varavu” ritual/tradition.

"The Night Pooram which begins with the parading of the Goddess on a single elephant accompanied by the famous Panchavadyam known as “Madathil Varavu” was obstructed by the District Police chief midway. The procession beginning with a single elephant would circle the Vadakkumnathan temple through the Swaraj Round to reach Naykanal pandal, wherein 6 elephants would accompany the procession from Thiruvampady temple and the panchavadyam would cease, paving way for the grand display of fireworks. This year, however, the police had cordoned off the entire Swaraj Round, obstructing the procession midway, at the Naduvilal, causing break in tradition and custom, paining the hearts of millions of devotees. The obstruction to the Madathil Varavu procession had disrupted the further ceremonies including the accompaniment of 6 elephants and the fireworks display for which thousands of devotees had gathered around the Swaraj Round at the late hours of 19th April 2024", the plea reads.

The Petitioner alleges that the police brutally manhandled the person holding the “Kuthuvilakk” in front of the elephant without any reason and with the intent of trampling the religious faith and traditions.

"It is submitted that the dictatorial attitude of the District Police Chief had not ended with the obstruction to the traditions and rituals of the temple, but had gone to the extent of blatant violation of the directions of this Hon’ble Court specifically restraining the use of footwear’s within the Vadakkumnathan temple, especially during the period of Thrissur Pooram festival. The District Police Chief Mr. Ankit Asokan himself had worn his shoes inside the Vadakkumnathan Temple, but had also permitted his subordinate police officers, and even instigated them to wear footwear’s inside the temple, defiling the sanctity of the temple", the plea says.

As per the Petitioner, the Police went to the extent of obstructing the chief priest/Melsanthi of Vadakkumnathan temple from entering the temple premises and also obstructed fireworks.

"The assigning of the charge of Thrissur city to the very same official responsible for the police atrocities during last year is nothing but the evidence of the malafide and arbitrary intent of some vested parties to sabotage and ruin the sanctity of Thrissur pooram", the Petitioner contends.

The Petitioner says that he has requested for sanction under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to initiate prosecution proceedings against the police officers responsible for the mishaps.

The Petitioner has prayed for a declaration that interference of the State Government and its machinery in the administration of Temple by use of Police force and thereby obstructing centuries-old rituals, traditions and customs are violative of religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution and for a writ of mandamus to frame appropriate guidelines to govern the conduct of the police authorities during the religious festivals and temple ceremonies, giving due regard to the rituals and customs of the temple as well as the religious right of devotees to spectate/take part in the essential religious rituals, customs and practices followed at the Temple. The Petitioner has also sought disciplinary and criminal proceedings against Police Officer Ankit Asokan.

Cause Title: P. Sudhakaran v. State of Kerala (WP(c) No. 16440/2024)