'Widespread Filth, Decay & Neglect': Kerala High Court Slams Chottanikkara Temple Authorities, Orders Cleanliness Audit By Suchitwa Mission

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considering a suo motu petition based on a complaint alleging corruption and maladministration in the temple

Earlier, the court had flagged the lack of hygiene and cleanliness in the temple premises. Subsequently, it had sought assistance of Suchitwa Mission improve cleanliness and rectify deficiencies in the Temple premises.

The Court was informed that the Devaswom Board had already communicated with the Secretary, Revenue (Devaswom), seeking assistance and the Secretary, Revenue (Devaswom) had forwarded the file to the Secretary, LSGD.

The Court examined the photographs and materials placed before it of the Temple premises and observed:

"The images reveal widespread filth, decay, and neglect, including in the kitchen and adjoining areas. These are places where the highest standards of hygiene are indispensable. The absence of basic sanitation is glaring and wholly unacceptable."

A statement filed by the Chottanikkara Grama Panchayat indicated that health officials conducted multiple inspections on November 10, 17, 24, and 27 confirming serious sanitation failures. Inspectors reported accumulated rubbish near the incinerator and the 'Aanakottil', as well as leakage of contaminated wastewater into nearby areas and ponds, including the Yakshikulam. A notice under the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023, has also been issued to the Assistant Commissioner of the Devaswom.

The Bench observed that the material placed before the court reveals systemic deficiencies in maintenance and warned that continued neglect could trigger environmental and public health hazards.

“From the material placed before us, it is evident that systemic deficiencies plague the maintenance of the temple premises and require urgent rectification.” Court added.

The State informed the Court that the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II does not permit funding for sewage treatment plants or sanitation infrastructure in religious institutions, as the scheme covers only local bodies and households. The Court recorded the submission but emphasised the urgency of remedial action.

The Court thus directed the Executive Director of the Suchitwa Mission, who is impleaded as the ninth respondent to depute two senior officers to conduct a detailed cleanliness audit of the temple. The officers are directed to provide concrete, implementable measures to restore and maintain hygienic conditions on a permanent basis.

“The officers shall undertake a thorough and scientific assessment and specify the exact manner in which the identified deficiencies can be addressed.” Court noted.

The Bench noted that the Temple Advisory Committee, despite having over twenty members allowed the premises to deteriorate. It warned that failure to take immediate corrective steps in war footing could result in adverse orders against both the Temple Advisory Committee and Devaswom officials.

The matter has been posted for further consideration on December 17.

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala

Case No: DBP 52/ 2025

Counsel for Respondent: S Rajmohan (Sr. GP), K P Sudheer (SC - CDB), T Madhu, C R Saradamani, B S Suraj Krishna, Avanthika R, Karthik Krishna M, Arunima A R, T S Davis, Vineeth Komalachandran