ARATTUPUZHA KSHETHRA UPADESAKA SAMITHY Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The laxity on the part of the competent authority in considering and passing appropriate orders for enabling the petitioner to conduct the fire works display in connection with Arattupuzha Pooram scheduled to be held on 13.03.2019, 18.03.2018 and 19.03.2018 is the subject matter of challenge in this writ petition.

(2.) Heard Sri.K.Ramakumar, the learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner, Sri.T.K. Anandakrishnan, the learned Government Pleader appearing for the State/ Department, the learned Central Government Counsel, who entered appearance on behalf of the fifth respondent and Sri.Ajith Krishnan, the learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the Cochin Devaswom Board.

(3.) The learned Sr. Counsel for the petitioner submits that Arattupuzha Pooram is one of the old festivals in the country and this time, it is the 1437 th annual event. It is also stated that the Pooram is significant and exclusive, in so far as there is a belief that all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses take part in the Pooram. It is for this reason that, almost all the Temples in Kerala and even the Temple at Kasi will remain closed early, so as to enable the deities to take part in the Pooram. The display of fire works is an integral part of the said festival and this was going on for centuries. The fire works display is stated as being performed by the petitioner, adhering to all the relevant provisions of law and the instructions being issued by the competent authorities from time to time. No untoward incident has occurred so far, by virtue of the prudent steps being taken by the petitioner, the authorities of the Temple/Devaswom and also by the departmental authorities in this regard.