In a significant move, the Kerala High Court on Friday issued directions to the state government and police authorities to ensure that the Thrissur Pooram, Kerala’s renowned temple festival, is conducted seamlessly this year. The directive comes in the wake of allegations of police disruption during the festival’s celebrations in April of the previous year.
Justices Anil K Narendran and Viju Abraham, presiding over the matter, stressed the need for adherence to all applicable norms to maintain the sanctity and smooth execution of the festival. The bench was addressing three petitions that highlighted disruptions caused by the police during last year’s festival.
In addition to ensuring the proper conduct of Thrissur Pooram this year, the High Court has also ordered a swift completion of the investigations into last year’s disruptions. The government is required to wrap up the probe within three months and bring it to a logical conclusion.
The court emphasized the necessity of handling any law and order issues that might arise during the festival in a lawful manner. Moreover, the State Police Chief has been tasked with overseeing the festival arrangements, ensuring that law and order are upheld, and that there is adequate police deployment.
The controversies stemming from police interventions during last year’s festivities notably dimmed the luster of Thrissur Pooram, which is celebrated annually in April. Notably, for the first time in the festival’s history, the fireworks display, a major draw of the event, was postponed from its traditional pre-dawn timing to broad daylight the following day, leading to disappointment among festival-goers.
Following the disruption, the state cabinet initiated a three-tier investigation. This included a review by the State Police Chief into any potential failures by the then ADGP (Law and Order) M R Ajithkumar, a Crime Branch investigation into any illegalities or crimes associated with the disruption, and an inquiry by the Intelligence ADGP into any lapses by officials tasked with ensuring the festival’s smooth conduct.
