Kerala High Court Allows Devaswom Minister To Convene Thrissur Pooram Review Meeting Amid Model Code Of Conduct

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (21 April) permitted the State's Devaswom Minister to convene a coordination meeting for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival, while the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the general elections to the State Assembly remains in force.Justice S. Manu, allowed the writ petition filed by the State Government, and has imposed conditions in conduct of the meeting. The State had approached the High Court seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala to allow the Devaswom Minister to preside over a preparatory meeting ahead of the Thrissur Pooram, scheduled for April 26 and 27.The request arose after a previously scheduled meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in 16 March was cancelled following the enforcement of the MCC. Although a review meeting was later conducted by the Chief Secretary with ECI approval, the State argued that a minister-led meeting was essential for effective inter-departmental coordination.The Election Commission opposed the plea, contending that adequate arrangements had already been made through the Chief Secretary-led meeting. It argued that permitting a political leader to chair such a meeting during the MCC period could undermine the code's intent and create a different perception.The Court acknowledged the importance of ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of the festival. It also noted past precedent, where similar permission had been granted during the Sabarimala pilgrimage, when the Model Code of Conduct for the local body elections were in force. The Court thus allowed the petition and permitted the Devaswom Minister to convene the meeting on April 23 in Thrissur. “In view of the permission granted by the Division Bench of this Court in Ext.P2 order dated 19.11.2025 in SSCR No. 37 of 2025 in connection with the Sabarimala Pilgrimage, I am of the view that a similar direction can be passed in the instant writ petition also.” Court noted. The Court further added that the Minister must refrain from interacting with the media or making public statements regarding the meeting or the festival. It has also directed that a representative of the Chief Electoral Officer must attend to ensure compliance with the MCC. It is directed that the conduct of the meeting must not interfere with election-related duties of officials.Case Title: State of Kerala v Election Commission of India and Ors. Case No: WP(C) 15564/ 2026Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 213Counsel for Respondents: Ajith Vishwanathan (GP), K P Sudheer, M AjayClick Here To Read/ Download Judgment

Kerala High Court Allows Devaswom Minister To Convene Thrissur Pooram Review Meeting Amid Model Code Of Conduct

Anamika MJ

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