Elephant procession: Kerala HC lambasts Devaswom officer, initiates contempt proceedings

Kochi: Taking strong exception to the elephant procession at Thrippunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, the Kerala High Court initiated contempt proceedings against Devaswom officer Raghuraman. The High Court made it clear that it could not accept the affidavit of the Devaswom Officer and even questioned his common sense. 

The affidavit mentioned that some devotees did not cooperate, and that the court order was not breached. When it rained, the elephants, which were stationed in the east and north of the temple, were only moved to the shelter. The court sought to know who directed to violate the court’s directives. The court also inquired if the Devaswom Board would act as per some devotees in defiance of the court’s orders.

The court further asked, "Who is behind you? Without any backing, how could you act this way?" 

The court also made it clear that action would be taken and issued a notice to the Devaswom Officer for contempt of court. The case will be considered again on January 3.

The elephant procession, part of the annual Vrishtikotsavam at the Thrippunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, had been subject to strict guidelines from the High Court. However, when the elephants were paraded for the temple festival, the prescribed distance limits were violated. The District Collector had submitted a report to the High Court on this matter. Following this, the court directed the Devaswom Officer to provide an affidavit.