Isabella Mariam

The High Court of Kerala, Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar directed the State Government, Cochin Devaswom Board, and Chottanikkara Grama Panchayat to take coordinated action to improve hygiene and sanitation at the Chottanikkara Temple premises. The Court, acting on suo motu proceedings concerning allegations of mal-administration and poor maintenance, noted remedial steps already initiated and instructed the authorities to ensure timely completion of pending works. It further directed the Government to facilitate assistance from the Suchitwa Mission for establishing a sewage treatment system and to submit an action taken report by the next hearing date.

The suo motu Devaswom Board Petition arose from a complaint dated April 24, 2025, submitted by Sri Thampy Thilakan, alleging severe maladministration, corruption, and unhygienic conditions at the Chottanikkara Temple, managed by the Cochin Devaswom Board. Upon examining the materials, the Court noted serious deficiencies in cleanliness, particularly in the kitchen and adjoining areas, and found evidence of “widespread filth and decay.” Consequently, the Court summoned officials from the Cochin Devaswom Board’s Maramath Wing and the Assistant Engineer of the Chottanikkara Devaswom for explanations. The Chottanikkara Grama Panchayat was also directed to participate in the inquiry.

Also Read: [Art. 226]: High Courts Not to Exercise Writ Jurisdiction in Service Matters Within Tribunal’s Scope: Supreme Court

Following earlier directions issued on August 20, 2025, and October 16, 2025, the Devaswom Board submitted an affidavit enumerating immediate and long-term measures to rectify the deficiencies. The affidavit categorized issues into urgent and less critical works to facilitate timely execution. A health inspection report from the local Health Inspector was also placed before the Court, which confirmed partial progress in sanitation improvements. In coordination with the Devaswom Board, the Panchayat launched a community initiative named “Unnami Kshetranganam,” involving local residents in weekly cleaning activities at the temple premises. The Court was informed that fifteen urgent and eight minor works had been identified, with several nearing completion under the supervision of the Executive Engineer and the Assistant Engineer of the Chottanikkara Devaswom

The Bench, recorded that the matter “brings to light serious lapses in the cleanliness, sanitation, and overall maintenance of the Chottanikkara Temple premises.” The Court referred to the photographs annexed to the petition and noted that they “revealed a complete absence of hygiene and sanitation,” particularly in areas associated with food preparation and public congregation.

The Bench noted that after prior hearings, the Devaswom Board had undertaken to implement several urgent repair and cleaning works. These included restoration of drainage systems, roof repairs requiring the Thantri’s consent, improvement of the Annadhana Mandapam, and rectification of deficiencies at the Anakottil structure. The affidavit submitted by the Devaswom Board specified timelines, including one month for urgent works and up to three months for long-term improvements. The Court recorded that “the works are expected to be completed within one to three months,” depending on their nature and urgency.

The Court also took cognizance of the statement from the Chottanikkara Grama Panchayat confirming the initiation of a weekly sanitation drive under the banner “Unnami Kshetranganam.” The Panchayat, in coordination with local residents, was actively engaged in cleaning operations every Sunday to maintain the temple surroundings. The Court remarked that such initiatives demonstrated the potential for community involvement in maintaining temple hygiene.

Addressing the issue of waste disposal and sewage management, the Bench observed that the Suchitwa Mission had earlier declined assistance on the ground that “its scheme applies only to properties within municipal limits.” The Court recorded that this position was “untenable” in light of the temple’s significance as a major pilgrimage centre. It noted that the Board had already addressed a communication to the Government seeking intervention. The Bench stated that “every possible effort must be made to ensure that the services and benefits of the Suchitwa Mission are extended to the temple without raising untenable excuses.” The Government was required to clarify its position and report back through the learned Government Pleader

Also Read: Kerala High Court: Non-Payment of Revised Maintenance to Be Enforced Through Execution Before Magistrate, Not via Contempt Proceedings

The Court directed: “We find that the communication addressed by the Devaswom Board to the Special Secretary (Revenue) dated 03.07.2023, seeking permission and appropriate directions, remains pending. We are of the view that the Government must take note of the fact that Chottanikkara Temple is one of the most revered temples and centres of pilgrimage in the State. In that light, every possible effort must be made to ensure that the services and benefits of the Suchitwa Mission are extended to the temple without raising untenable excuses.”

“The learned Government Pleader shall obtain instructions and report back regarding the steps that can be taken by the Suchitwa Mission to provide necessary assistance to the temple and the local authority. Post the matter on 26.11.2025, by which time an action taken report shall be filed by the Devaswom Board, the local authority, and the Government.”

Advocates Representing the Parties
For the Respondents: Sri. S. Rajmohan, Senior Government Pleader; Sri. K.P. Sudheer, Standing Counsel, Cochin Devaswom Board; and Sri. Vineeth Komalachandran

Case Title: In Re: Cochin Devaswom Board – Complaint Alleging Maladministration and Corruption at Chottanikkara Temple
Case Number: DBP No. 52 of 2025
Bench: Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V, Justice K.V. Jayakumar