Kerala High Court | Hygiene Lapses and Poor Maintenance Flagged at Chottanikkara Temple | Officials Directed to Ensure Compliance with Sanitation Standards
Isabella Mariam
The High Court of Kerala Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar, while considering a suo motu petition on maladministration at Chottanikkara Temple, impleaded the Executive Director of the Suchitwa Mission, the Executive Engineer of the Maramath Wing of the Cochin Devaswom Board, and the Assistant Engineer of the Chottanikkara Devaswom as additional respondents. The Court acted on materials indicating unhygienic conditions in the temple premises, poor sanitation in the kitchen, and neglect of prior remedial directives. Officials were directed to personally appear and report measures to restore cleanliness, maintenance, and proper temple administration.
The suo motu petition arose from a complaint dated 24.04.2025 alleging corruption and maladministration in the Chottanikkara Temple under the Cochin Devaswom Board. The complaint described absence of basic amenities, deterioration in the quality of offerings, misconduct of temple staff, and irregularities in financial management. It also included photographs depicting filth and decay in the kitchen and surrounding areas, as well as structural damage within the premises.
The District Co-ordinator of Navakeralam Karma Padhathi had previously issued a communication on 11.03.2025 highlighting lapses in waste segregation, water treatment, and disposal of temple refuse, and recommended specific remedial measures including installation of an incinerator in compliance with Pollution Control Board specifications. Alleging continued non-compliance with these directions, the matter was placed before the Division Bench, which examined the complaint, photographic evidence, and official reports to determine accountability for sanitation and maintenance failures.
The Bench observed: “The photographs produced along with the petition depict widespread filth and decay, including in the kitchen and adjoining areas. The materials reveal a complete lack of hygiene and sanitation.”
It recorded: “The complaint further discloses misconduct on the part of the temple staff, a marked deterioration in the quality of offerings made to the deity, and a conspicuous failure of effective oversight by the vigilance wing.”
The Court referred to official communications and stated: “We note that the District Co-ordinator, Navakeralam Karma Padhathi, has issued a communication dated 11.03.2025… recommending, inter alia, the provision of a proper bin system, the installation of a water-treatment plant, and the setting up of an incinerator in accordance with the specifications of the Pollution Control Board. Several of the directions have not been complied with.
It recorded: “Having considered the facts and circumstances, we are of the view that the presence of the Executive Director of the Suchitwa Mission, the Executive Engineer of the Maramath Wing of the Cochin Devaswom Board, and the Assistant Engineer of the Chottanikkara Devaswom is necessary for the effective adjudication of this matter, so that appropriate and enforceable directions can be issued.”
The Court concluded its order stating: “We suo motu implead – Executive Director, Suchitwa Mission, Department of LSGD… Executive Engineer, Maramath Wing, Cochin Devaswom Board… and Assistant Engineer, Chottanikkara Devaswom, Chottanikkara, Kochi – as additional respondents.”
“Let the matter be listed on 24.09.2025. The Executive Engineer, Maramath Wing, Cochin Devaswom Board, and the Assistant Engineer, Chottanikkara Devaswom, shall be personally present before this Court.”
“They shall specifically state before us the steps they have taken to remedy the situation at Chottanikkara.”
Advocates Representing the Parties
For the Respondents: Sri. S. Rajmohan, Senior Government Pleader; Sri. K. P. Sudheer, Standing Counsel, Cochin Devaswom Board
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: DBP No. 52 of 2025
Bench: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V, Justice K. V. Jayakumar
