Kochi: The High Court on Thursday stayed the decision of the Guruvayur Devaswom Board to bestow Poonthanam Jnanappana Award to Prabha Varma. The HC asked if the award had to be given to someone who views Lord Krishna as an accused.

Stating that the prize money was contributed by the devotees, the High Court instructed that the sentiments of devotes must be respected.  The Devaswom Board had decided to give the award to Prabha Varma’s work titled ‘Syamamadhavam’. The award ceremony was scheduled to take place on Friday at 10.30 am.

A cultural convention was also organised in connection with the award ceremony. The High Court did not stay the cultural convention. The HC action comes after it received several petitions. The court will send notices to all those concerned.

Poonthanam Jnanappana Award carries a purse of Rs 50,000.