Kerala High Court Expresses Satisfaction With Waste Management Measures At Chottanikkara Temple
The Kerala High Court has recently (26 March) expressed satisfaction with the progress of waste management and sanitation measures at the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, while directing authorities to ensure continued upkeep of the premises.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considering a suo motu proceeding initiated over allegations of maladministration and corruption, absence of basic amenities, misconduct by temple staff, deterioration in quality of offerings to the deity, financial irregularities, etc.in the Chottanikkara Temple.
The Court had earlier passed orders directing the Suchitwa Mission to conduct a cleanliness audit in the temple and to frame a sustainable sanitation plan. The Temple Advisory Committee was also directed to coordinate to ensure that remedial measures are carried out immediately.
Subsequently, the Court expressed discontent in the conduct of Cochin Devaswom Board in not taking effective steps to carry out the Suchitwa Mission's recommendations to maintain cleanliness in the Temple in spite of having monthly income of ₹2 to ₹4 crores.
During the hearing, the Assistant Engineer, Chottanikkara Devaswom submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining a comprehensive solid waste management plan for the temple.
The proposed infrastructure includes an Organic Waste Converter (OWC) plant, aerobic ferro-cement composting units based on the Thumboormuzhi model, and a Material Recovery Facility. The plan also covers site selection, land development, cost estimates, and implementation timelines. The Court was told that the project is likely to be tendered by May 2026 and completed before August.
Additionally, the Nodal Officer of the Temple submitted a report dated March 25, 2026, along with photographs demonstrating steps taken to maintain cleanliness in and around the temple premises.
The Bench recorded its satisfaction with the progress made so far. It was also noted that sanitation work at the temple has been outsourced on contract, with the Nodal Officer and his team tasked with ongoing supervision.
The Court directed that the premises be kept clean, neat and well maintained at all times, ensuring that devotees can have darshan in a dignified environment.
The Bench further noted that necessary approvals will be placed before the Court in the third week of May.
The matter has been posted for further consideration on May 18, 2026.
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected cases
Case No: DBP No. 52 of 2025 and connected cases
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, Nirmal S