Kerala High Court Slams State Water Authority For Not Providing Instructions To Counsel In Suo Motu Case On Electrocution Of Sabarimala Pilgrim

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (June 5) came down hard on the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for not providing timely instructions to its Standing Counsel in a case regarding the death of a pilgrim at Sabrimala due to electrocution. The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S was hearing the Suo Motu proceedings initiated by the Court following the death of a pilgrim in Sabarimala due to electrocution from a water kiosk maintained by the KWA.While considering the matter today, the Court highlighted the seriousness of the case. “This has happened at a place where a Constitutional authority was about to have pilgrimage,” it observed orally.Noting that the KWA has taken a casual approach in this serious matter, the Court began the interim order as below: “Despite repeated adjournments, further time is sought on behalf of the learned Standing Counsel for Kerala Water Authority to get instructions regarding an incident that happened on 19.05.2025 at Sabarimala, that resulted in the death of a pilgrim Bharathamma, who is a native of Gopalpet in Telegana due to electrocution from the water kiosk at Shed No. 2 near Pamba…when she was returning after Darshan at Sabarimala. The materials that are placed on record make it explicitly clear that the kiosks maintained by the KWA, instead of fixing it properly, was tied to an electric post with a GI wire.”When the Court made an enquiry to the counsel about the whereabouts of the Standing Counsel, it was submitted that he is a lawyer practicing in Thodupuzha Bar. Thereupon, the Court also directed the counsel who represented the Standing Counsel to ensure that the latter is present in Court today in the forenoon itself. The matter is listed for further consideration next Tuesday.BackgroundSuo Motu proceedings were initiated by the Kerala High Court following the event of death of a pilgrim by electrocution through drinking water at Pamba during Edavamasa Pooja in Sabarimala.In an earlier posting, the Amicus Curiae for Special Commissioner, Sabarimala made available before Court a report dated 20.05.2025 of the 6th respondent Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, Travancore Devaswom Board. In the report, it was suggested that a joint inspection by the officials of the Electrical Inspectorate, Devaswom Electric Wing and KSEB is highly essential, to ensure that such things are avoided hereafter.Later, a copy of the report dated 20.05.2025 of the Executive Engineer (Electrical), Pamba and Nilakkal was also placed on record.Earlier this week, the High Court had passed an interim order directing the 11th respondent District Electrical Inspector, Pathanamthitta and also the 7th respondent Assistant Engineer (Electrical), Travancore Devaswom Board, Sabarimala Development Project to conduct a joint inspection of all electrical installations at trekking path from Pamba to Sannidhanam in view of the fact that the temple opens today (June 5) for 'Prathista Dinam'.Case No: SSCR No. 13 of 2025Case Title: Suo Moto v. State of Kerala and others

Kerala High Court Slams State Water Authority For Not Providing Instructions To Counsel In Suo Motu Case On Electrocution Of Sabarimala Pilgrim

K. Salma Jennath

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