SUO MOTU Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This DBP is registered suo motu, vide proceedings dtd. 6/1/2024, based on a complaint dtd. 3/1/2024 regarding "Kodikoora Samarpanam' during the annual festival for the year 1199 ME (2024) of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, which is a major temple under the management of the 2nd respondent - Travancore Devaswom Board. In the complaint, the complainant has pointed out various irregularities in the conduct of "Kodikoora Samarpanam'. A copy of the judgment of this Court dtd. 6/2/2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015, a copy of the relevant extract of the register maintained by the 4th respondent - Administrative Officer regarding "Kodikkayar' and "Kodikoora' Samarpanam during the annual festival are also enclosed along with the complaint.

(2.) On 10/1/2024, when this DBP came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom submitted that the annual festival in Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple will commence on 11/2/2024. The learned Standing Counsel sought time to get instructions on the complaint made by the complainant. The learned Government Pleader entered appearance for the 1st respondent and the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for respondents 2 to 4. This Court issued notice to the 5th respondent Temple Advisory Committee by e-mail, through the 4th respondent - Administrative Officer of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, returnable by 18/1/2024.

(3.) On 18/1/2024, when this report came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that since the 4th respondent - Administrative Officer does not have an official e-mail ID, the email ID of the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Ettumanoor was furnished. By the order dtd. 18/1/2024, the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Ettumanoor, was suo motu impleaded as the additional 6th respondent. The learned Standing Counsel sought time to get instructions from the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner as to whether notice has already been served on the 5th respondent - Temple Advisory Committee.