Kerala High Court Questions Police Over Notice to Stop Pappanji Burning for New Year Celebrations
Pranav B Prem
The Kerala High Court, on December 24, 2024, questioned the police's authority in issuing a stop memo to halt the annual burning of the Pappanji effigy during New Year celebrations in Fort Kochi. The petition was brought forth by Gala De Fort Kochi, a registered society organizing the annual event.
The Kerala High Court, on December 24, 2024, questioned the police's authority in issuing a stop memo to halt the annual burning of the Pappanji effigy during New Year celebrations in Fort Kochi. The petition was brought forth by Gala De Fort Kochi, a registered society organizing the annual event.
Background of the Case
The petitioner challenged a stop memo, dated 18/12/2024, issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mattanchery contending that the police lacked the statutory authority to prohibit the burning of the effigy. The petitioner claimed to have obtained all necessary permissions from other statutory bodies to conduct the event.
The burning of Pappanji is a New Year's eve tradition in Fort Kochi, Kerala, where a giant effigy of an old man with a long white beard is burned at midnight on December, 31 to symbolize the end of the year and the start of a new one.
Sources say the tradition may have started when the Portuguese occupied Fort Kochi and someone confused the Portuguese word papani, which means "old man", with papa in Noel, which means "father Christmas" or "Santa Claus". The confusion was sorted out and the tradition now involves burning an effigy of an old man instead of Santa
The festival has been known to cause stampede-like situations, with large crowds spilling into the streets and adjoining houses. Some have suggested restricting entry to the Parade Ground, implementing a pre-booking system, or limiting the number of attendees.
Papanhi is burned exactly at stroke of midnight signifies the end of a passing year and welcome New Year. This symbolises the burning of all the ills and beginning on a new note. This is followed by gala party with dance and music till morning. The origin of this custom remains ambiguous.
Court's Observations
1. The Court observed that the notice did not specify the legal provision under which it was issued. This ambiguity raised concerns about the police’s jurisdiction to impose such restrictions.
2. The Court directed the Government Pleader to clarify the legal basis for the notice and instructed the petitioner to submit proof of permissions obtained from relevant authorities.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on December 27, 2024.
Cause Title: Gala de Fort Kochi v Assistant Commissioner of Police and Another
Case No: WP(C) 46369 of 2024
Date: December-24-2024
Bench: Justice Easwaran S
[Read/Download order]
