'Technical Committee For Safety Of Devotees Can Be Formed': KSEB Tells Kerala HC In Suo Moto Case Over Electrocution Death Of Sabarimala Pilgrim

Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) on Friday submitted before the Kerala High Court, the suggestion for forming a Technical Committee for the Safety of Pilgrims, in the suo moto proceedings initiated following the death of a pilgrim at Sabarimala by electrocution from a water kiosk maintained by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA)The division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar heard the matter.KSEB has filed a report summarising steps already undertaken, while additionally recommending the constitution of a technical committee comprising representatives of the Forest Department, TDB, and other stakeholders. The committee would work towards evolving a coordinated plan to safeguard pilgrims.Earlier, the Court had directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to conduct inspections and implement all necessary safeguards to prevent similar accidents. Further directions were also issued to the KWA and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to report on preventive measures.The Devaswom Board has since filed an affidavit, outlining detailed steps to avoid recurrence of such incidents. The Court noted that these measures, once executed, would bring clarity and enhance safety for pilgrims.The counsel for the Devaswom Board assured the Court that compliance with the affidavit would be ensured before November 16, when the pilgrimage season begins. Similarly, counsel for the Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that all required measures would be completed by November 16.The senior government pleader and counsel for the TDB submitted that a joint inspection by KSEB, TDB, and KWA can be carried out at the earliest, with submissions to be made without delay. The Court directed that a consolidated report on these inspections and preventive steps be placed before it for further consideration.The matter has been posted to Wednesday for inputs from the Water Authority.Case Title - Suo Motu v State of KeralaCase No - SSCR No. 13 of 2025Counsel for Respondents - G Biju - SC, Travancore Devasom Board, B Pramod - SC, Kerala State Electricity Board, P M Johny - SC, SC, Kerala Water Authority, P K Manjokumar - SC, United India Insurance, S Rajmohan (Sr. GP), Georgy Johny - SC, Kerala Water AuthorityAmicus Curiae - Sayujya RadhakrishnanClick Here To Read/ Download Order

'Technical Committee For Safety Of Devotees Can Be Formed': KSEB Tells Kerala HC In Suo Moto Case Over Electrocution Death Of Sabarimala Pilgrim

Anamika MJ

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