SUO MOTO Vs. MALABAR DEVASWOM BOARD AND ANOTHER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) On completion of the Vyshaka festival in the Kottiyoor Temple, the Advocate Commissioner appointed by this Court has filed Report No. 4 of 2017 referring to the sequence of events. Various aspects have been dealt with in the said Report dated 1.7.2017, particularly as to the steps taken by the Devaswom, the instructions given by the Commissioner and other relevant aspects so as to give effect to the various interim orders passed by this Court at different points of time. Among the said aspects, some heads require special attention and further orders, in the light of the statement filed from the part of the Devaswom and also in response to the above report.

(2.) Heard the learned Advocate Commissioner, the learned Counsel for the Devaswom and also the learned Standing Counsel for the Malabar Devaswom Board in the above context.

(3.) It is submitted by all concerned across the Bar that, pursuant to the orders passed by this Court at different points of time, the festival was conducted in a befitting manner and that no untoward incident has happened, but for a fire occurred in one of the 'Kayyalas' which has already been dealt with by this Court passing appropriate orders as to the further steps to be taken. With regard to the various points adverted to by the Advocate Commissioner in the report, the Commissioner has pointed out in the opening paragraph of the Report as to various visits made by him to the Devaswom. The version of the Devaswom with reference to the said factual aspect, as put forth in the opening paragraph of the statement dated 5.8.2017, is to the effect that the Devaswom is having no record to verify the particulars of the dates of visit made by the Commissioner. Strong exception has been sought to be drawn by the Commissioner with regard to the said statement, which according to him is rather painful, having said so quite casually, ignoring the efforts taken by him to get things done, giving effect to the orders passed by this Court in the right spirit and perspective, in a time-bound manner.