Plea In Kerala High Court Alleges Police Excesses During Thrissur Pooram, Seeks Guidelines To Protect Religious Freedom During Temple Festivals

The petitioner, a devotee, seeks framing of directives/guidelines to prevent unlawful police interference in rituals and ceremonies during temple festivals in Kerala and to protect the religious freedom of devotees guaranteed under the Constitution.

The Division Bench comprising Justice V G Arun and Justice S Manu orally noted that the State government has initiated action against concerned police officials. However, it restrained from passing any blanket order today and sought instructions from the state government.

The petitioner alleged that illegal police restrictions obstructed the spiritual procession and disrupted the religious rituals and customs that have been followed since times immemorial.

It is also alleged that the police manhandled the person holding 'kuthuvilakkku', stopped the idol-bearing elephant procession and denied entry to the Chief Priest of the Lord Vadakkumnathan Temple. It is also alleged that the police defiled the temple premises by wearing footwear in the temple premises, contrary to the directions of the Court. It is further alleged that the police officials used lathi on devotees and obstructed them from seeing the temple ceremonies and fireworks.

“The obstruction of the elephant procession and consequent delay of fireworks have scarred the minds of millions of devotees and pooram lovers alike, dampening the glory of the largest temple festival in Kerala”, the plea states.

It is alleged that the illegal restrictions placed on devotees without consulting experts or temple authorities have violated their religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. It is further alleged that the District Police Chief acted as a dictator and did not cooperate with the temple administration or Devaswom officials.

It is alleged that Thrissur District Police Chief Ankit Asokan has exceeded his jurisdiction and misused his powers to disrupt the centuries-old traditions and customs conducted during the Thrissur Pooram.

The plea thus seeks urgent directions to regulate police conduct during religious festivals and temple ceremonies. The plea also seeks appropriate investigation and disciplinary action against District Police Chief Ankit Asokan.

In the interim, the plea seeks a direction to ensure that the police force does not interfere with religious rituals and traditions in the upcoming temple festivals in Kerala.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on May 22.

The plea has been moved by Advocates Sajith Kumar V, H Kiran, Vivek A V, Ammu M, Sreehari V S, Sherin Davis

Case Title: P Sudhakaran v State of Kerala

Case Number: WPC 16440/2024