SUO MOTU Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This report filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala is regarding the alleged collection of funds by the Coordinator of 'Punyam Poonkavanam' Project at Erumeli. The said fact was brought to the notice of the Special Commissioner, by the District Police Chief, Kottayam, vide Annexure 1 letter dtd. 8/3/2023.

(2.) On 21/3/2023, when this SSCR came up for consideration, the learned Senior Government Pleader made available for the perusal of this Court the 'Bandobast Scheme' by the Kerala Police for Sabarimala festival season of 1198ME (2022- 23). Page No.37 of the Bandobast Scheme deals with 'Punyam Poonkavanam' Project, wherein it is stated that 'Punyam Poonkavanam' Project has been implemented in Sabarimala since 2011 as a Community Policing Programme with an intention to keep Sannidhanam, Pampa and its surroundings clean, with the active participation and coordination of all the devotees. The Special Officers/Police Controllers at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal are to render all necessary assistance to 'Punyam Poonkavanam' Project, who will also ensure that the barracks, mess, toilets, etc., and the surroundings are kept clean and hygienic throughout the season.

(3.) In Paragraph 4 of the order dtd. 21/3/2023, this Court noticed the submission made by the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board regarding another project by the name 'Pavithram Sabarimala', which was launched by the Board, during Sabarimala festival season of 1198ME (2022- 23), which is a cleaning project by the employees of the Board at Sabarimala, Pampa, etc., for daily routine cleaning activities in Sabarimala.