Kochi: The High Court on Friday asked the government not to play to the gallery while arresting those who indulged in violence during the recent Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
It asked the government to ensure that the real culprits are arrested even as the police took more people into custody across the state in connection with the violent incidents. The court asked the government to file its reply on Monday about the police action against those who tried to prevent women in the age group of 10-50 from entering the Sabarimala temple. “If innocent people are arrested, the government will have to pay a heavy price,” the court said. A probe should be held whether all believers who reached Sabarimala were genuine or not, it said.
The court was hearing a petition filed by two natives of Pathanamthitta, Suresh Kumar and Anoj Kumar, questioning the ongoing police action against those who allegedly indulged in violence at Sabarimala and nearby areas.
The Supreme Court had recently lifted the ban on women in the age group of 10-50 from entering the temple. A number of rightwing organisations opposed to the SC verdict had prevented a few women from entering the temple when it was opened for monthly pooja in the Malayalam month of Thulam. The agitation also had the support of the BJP and the RSS.
