Kochi: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday directed the state government not to interfere in the day-to-day affairs of Travancore Devaswom Board on matters connected with Sabarimala. The government can only interfere in issues related to law and order, it said.
The lawyer appearing for the petitioner presented a news report which quoted the chief minister as saying that the possibility of taking women to the holy shrine with the help of police will be explored. However, the government informed the court that this was wrong. The petitioner wanted the court to declare that the state government, chief minister and devaswom minister do not have powers to interfere in the administrative affairs of the TDB in relation to Sabarimala. The court asked the TDB and the government to file an affidavit on the issue and put off the case to next Monday.
Considering another petition which demanded restricting the entry to Hindus only to Sabarimala filed by one Gopinathan, the court pointed out that while considering a similar petition earlier, the court had said that the communal harmony prevailing in the state should not be hampered by such petitions. It is clear that Sabarimala is accessible to people of all religions, it said.
On another petition, the court directed the state government to inform it of the action taken against the police personnel who indulged in vandalism and violence during the law and order issues related to Thulam month pooja, including ransacking of vehicles. The bench ordered the DGP to submit a report containing the name and other details of erring policemen. The petitioner had presented the video footage of the incidents. The state attorney told the court that the DGP had entrusted the IG to verify all aspects and that there will be a follow-up action. The court said that ensuring law and order and nabbing goons by police were fine but problems should not be created for the faithful by the police. The video footage taken by the faithful can be used to identify culprits the way police footage is used, it said. The petitions will be considered after ten days. The High Court also asked the state government why mediamen were being prevented from reporting at Sabarimala. The bench also expressed doubt that media was prevented to hide the actions of the government. The state attorney told the court that there was no prohibition on media at Sabarimala. He said that media was restricted initially to install foolproof security arrangements and after that it was allowed. The bench directed that there should not be any hindrances to mediapersons and the faithful. Meanwhile, the court sought the explanation of the state on a petition citing a press release by Pathanamthitta district collector and SP which said that there is a ban on the media from November 3 to 5. The petitioner said it is unconstitutional and hence should be struck down.
