Kerala High Court
Suo Motu vs State Of Kerala on 25 January, 2024
Author: Anil K. Narendran
Bench: Anil K. Narendran
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN
&
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G. GIRISH
THURSDAY, THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY 2024 / 5TH MAGHA, 1945
DBP NO.8 OF 2024
TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD - ETTUMANOOR SREE MAHADEVA TEMPLE
- MATTER PERTAINING TO NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE DIRECTIONS
CONTAINED IN THE JUDGMENT DATED 06.02.2015 IN WPC NO.3258
OF 2015 - SUO MOTU PROCEEDINGS INITIATED BASED ON A
COMPLAINT DATED 03.01.2024 FILED BY A DEVOTEE - REG.
PETITIONER:
SUO MOTU
RESPONDENTS:
1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, REVENUE (DEVASWOM)
DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 695001
2 TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, NANTHANCODE, KAWDIAR
POST, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- 695 003
3 DEPUTY DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER
TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD, VAIKOM, KOTTAYAM-686141
4 THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, ETTUMANOOR SREE
MAHADEVA TEMPLE, ETTUMANOOR, KOTTAYAM-686631
5 THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF SREE ETTUMANOOR
MAHADEVA TEMPLE, ETTUMANOOR-686631, REPRESENTED BY
ITS SECRETARY
*ADDL.R6 THE ASSISTANT DEVASWOM COMMISSIONER
ETTUMANOOR SREE MAHADEVA TEMPLE, ETTUMANOOR,
KOTTAYAM - 686 631 *IS SUO MOTU IMPLEADED AS
2
DBP No.8 of 2024
ADDITIONAL 6TH RESPONDENT VIDE ORDER DATED
18/01/2024 IN DBP.NO.8/2024
SRI S.RAJMOHAN - SR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ;
SRI G.BIJU - STANDING COUNSEL - TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM
BOARD
THIS DEVASWOM BOARD PETITION HAVING COME UP FOR
ADMISSION ON 25.01.2024, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY
DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
3
DBP No.8 of 2024
"C.R"
ORDER
Anil K. Narendran, J.
This DBP is registered suo motu, vide proceedings dated 06.01.2024, based on a complaint dated 03.01.2024 regarding 'Kodikoora Samarpanam' during the annual festival for the year 1199 ME (2024) of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, which is a major temple under the management of the 2nd respondent - Travancore Devaswom Board. In the complaint, the complainant has pointed out various irregularities in the conduct of 'Kodikoora Samarpanam'. A copy of the judgment of this Court dated 06.02.2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015, a copy of the relevant extract of the register maintained by the 4th respondent - Administrative Officer regarding 'Kodikkayar' and 'Kodikoora' Samarpanam during the annual festival are also enclosed along with the complaint.
2. On 10.01.2024, when this DBP came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom submitted that the annual festival in Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple will commence on 11.02.2024. The learned Standing Counsel sought time to get instructions on the complaint made by the complainant. The learned Government Pleader entered appearance for the 1st respondent and the 4 DBP No.8 of 2024 learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for respondents 2 to 4. This Court issued notice to the 5th respondent Temple Advisory Committee by e-mail, through the 4th respondent - Administrative Officer of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, returnable by 18.01.2024.
3. On 18.01.2024, when this report came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that since the 4th respondent - Administrative Officer does not have an official e-mail ID, the e- mail ID of the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Ettumanoor was furnished. By the order dated 18.01.2024, the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Ettumanoor, was suo motu impleaded as the additional 6th respondent. The learned Standing Counsel sought time to get instructions from the Assistant Devaswom Commissioner as to whether notice has already been served on the 5th respondent - Temple Advisory Committee.
4. On behalf of the 2nd respondent - Travancore Devaswom Board, an affidavit dated 22.01.2024 has been placed on record, wherein it is stated that the annual festival of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple of the year 1199 ME will commence on 11.02.2024 with Kodiyettam and will end on 20.02.2024 with Arattu. The festival is conducted strictly 5 DBP No.8 of 2024 following the customs, traditions and rituals of the temple. The annual festival is conducted by the Board in association with the 5th respondent Temple Advisory Committee, with the cooperation of all the devotees. 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' for hoisting the flag are made at Chengalam Vadakkedathu Illam, which will be collected by the 4th respondent - Administrative Officer and brought to the temple in a procession from Chengalam Sree Bhagavathy Temple, via Arpookkara Sree Subramania Swamy Temple, Kuttianikulangara Sree Bhagavathy Temple and Mariyamman Kovil Devasthanam. All activities connected with the above ritual are done with the assistance of the 5th respondent Temple Advisory Committee, with the cooperation of all the devotees and strictly conforming to the directions issued by this Court in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015. Every year, 'Kodikkayar' and 'Kodikkoora' will be offered by some devotees as Vazhipadu, who will bear the expense of making and bringing the same from Vadakkedathu Illam, Chengalam to Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple. The devotee offering 'Kodikkayar' and 'Kodikkoora' will not be permitted to publish any notice in their name or collect any money from the public in connection with the same. The 4th respondent - Administrative Officer maintains a register recording the names of the devotees who offer 6 DBP No.8 of 2024 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' for the annual festival. For the year 1199 ME (2024), two persons, namely, Chandrasekharan Nair, Kummanam, Kottayam and Kannan Kadapoor, Vattukulam, expressed their interest in offering 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar'. The Administrative Officer contacted the above two persons to confirm their willingness. Chandrasekharan Nair informed the Administrative Officer in writing that he is not in a position to offer it for year 1199 ME. Kannan Kadapoor agreed to conduct the Vazhipadu and bear the expenses, who has executed annexure R2(a) undertaking dated 18.01.2024 in stamp paper, agreeing that he will not collect any money from the public and will abide by all the instructions given by Devaswom officials for the proper conduct of the ritual. In the affidavit, it is stated that, the Devaswom is not collecting any amount for this offering. The devotee will pay the making charges of 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' directly to Vadakkedathu Illam. The procession for bringing 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' to Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple is conducted strictly as per the directions issued by this Court in the judgment dated 06.10.2022 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015. The 4th respondent - Administrative Officer will receive 'Kodikkoora' from Chengalam Vadakkedathu Illam on 07.02.2024 and will bring it to the temple in a 7 DBP No.8 of 2024 procession with hundreds of the devotees. The procession, which is highly colourful, will reach the temple, covering a distance of 15 kms. The expenses for the Chariot, Vadyamelam, etc. for the procession will be met by the devotee offering 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar'.
5. Heard the learned Senior Government Pleader for the 1st respondent, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for respondents 2 to 4 and the additional 6th respondent. Despite service of notice through the additional 6th respondent - Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, none appears for the 5th respondent - Temple Advisory Committee.
6. Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, enacted by the State Legislature, makes provision for the administration, supervision and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and Funds. As per the provisions under Section 3 of the Act, the administration of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms shall vest in the Travancore Devaswom Board. As per Section 15A of the Act, it shall be the duty of the Board to perform the following functions, namely, (i) to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in the religious institutions are performed promptly; 8 DBP No.8 of 2024
(ii) to monitor whether the administrative officials and employees and also the employees connected with religious rites are functioning properly; (iii) to ensure proper maintenance and upliftment of the Hindu religious institutions; (iv) to establish and maintain proper facilities in the temples for the devotees. As per Section 31 of the Act, subject to the provisions of Part I and the rules made thereunder, the Board shall manage the properties and affairs of the Devaswoms, both incorporated, and unincorporated as heretofore, and arrange for the conduct of the daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in every temple according to its usage.
7. Section 31A of the Act deals with the formation of the Temple Advisory Committees. As per subsection (1) of Section 31A of the Act, a Committee for each temple in the name 'Temple Advisory Committee' (name of the temple) may be constituted in order to ensure the participation of Hindu devotees. As per sub-section (2) of Section 31A, the Temple Advisory Committee constituted under sub-section (1) may be approved by the Board. As per sub-section (3) of Section 31A, the composition of an Advisory Committee under sub-section (1) shall be in such manner as may be prescribed by the rules made by the Board, not inconsistent with any practice prevailing, if 9 DBP No.8 of 2024 any. In terms of sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Act, the Travancore Devaswom Board framed the Rules for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in the temples under the management of the Board, with has been approved by this Court vide order dated 03.11.2011. in DBA No. 153 of 2009.
8. In exercise of the powers under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Act, the Travancore Devaswom Board framed Rules (bye-laws) for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under its management, which was approved by this Court in the order dated 03.11.2011 in DBA No.153 of 2009.
9. Clause (2) of the Rules, which deals with objectives of the Temple Advisory Committees, reads thus;
"2. ഉദ്ദേശ്യ ലക്ഷ്യങ്ങൾ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിന്ദ്ദേയ ും, വിശ്വാസികളുടെയ ും പ ദ്ദ ാഗരിക്ക ദ്ദവണ്ടി ത്പവർത്തിക്ക ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രാചാ ങ്ങളുും പൂജാത്കമങ്ങളുും ശ്ാസ്തത്ര വിധിത്പകാ ും നെത്ത ന്നരിന് സഹായക മായ നിലപാെ കൾ സവീക ിക്ക ക. ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിന്ടേ ത്പശ്സ്തരിക്ക ും അഭിവൃദ്ധിക്ക ും, പ ദ്ദ ാഗരിക്ക ും ദ്ദവണ്ടി പദ്ധരികൾ ആവിഷ്ക്ക്ക ിക്ക കയ ും ദ്ദ ാർഡിൽ സമർപ്പിക്ക കയ ും ദ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ അന വാദദ്ദത്താെ കൂെി ത്പാദ്ദയാഗികമാക്ക കയ ും ടചയ്യുക. ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ഉത്സവും, ചിേപ്പ്, ആട്ടവിദ്ദശ്ഷും, മാസവിദ്ദശ്ഷും മ രലായ വിദ്ദശ്ഷാൽ അെിയന്തി ങ്ങൾ ഡിപ്പാർട്ടുടമന്് ഉദ്ദദയാഗസ്ഥ ടെ അന മരി വാങ്ങി ഭുംഗിയായ ും ചിട്ടയായ ും നെത്ത ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ദർശ്നത്തിടനത്ത ന്ന ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങൾക്ക് ദ്ദവണ്ട സൗക യങ്ങൾ ഒ ക്ക ന്നരിന് ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര അധികാ ികടള സഹായിക്ക ക, മന ഷയനന്മയ്ക്ക്ക് ഉരക ന്നര ത്തിൽ സനാരനധർമ്മങ്ങൾ ത്പച ിപ്പിക്ക ക. ധയാനദ്ദയാഗങ്ങൾ, നാമജപും, 10 DBP No.8 of 2024 വിദ്ദശ്ഷാൽ പൂജകൾ, ഭക്തിത്പഭാഷണങ്ങൾ ര െങ്ങിയവ ഡിപ്പാർട്ടുടമന്് അന മരിദ്ദയാടെ സുംഘെിപ്പിക്ക ക, ഭക്തജനങ്ങൾക്ക് അന്നദാനും ര െങ്ങിയ ദ്ദസവനും നെത്ത കയ ും അരിന് ത്പാദ്ദചാദനും നല്ക കയ ും ടചയ്യുക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രവ ും പ ിസ വ ും ശ് ചിയായി സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ന്നരിന് ദ്ദവണ്ട നെപെികൾ സവീക ിക്ക ക, മഹാന്മാ ായ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രവിശ്വാസികദ്ദളയ ും ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രകലാകാ ന്മാട യ ും ആദ ിക്ക ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രസും ന്ധമായ ത്പവർത്തനങ്ങളുും, ഉത്സവാദി അെിയന്തി ങ്ങളുും സ ഗമമാക്ക ന്നരിന് ഡിപ്പാർട്ടുടമന്് അന മരിദ്ദയാടെ മാത്രും സുംഭാവനകൾ, ഇഷ്ടദാനും എന്നിവ ഭക്തജനങ്ങളിൽ നിന്ന ും സമാഹ ിക്ക ക." (underline supplied)
10. As per Clause (2) of the Rules, one of the objectives of the Temple Advisory Committee is to formulate schemes for the betterment and development of the Temple, submit the same before the Board and execute it with the approval of the Board. The Advisory Committee shall collect contributions or donations from the devotees for the smooth functioning of the temple activities and festivals only with the permission of the Department.
11. Clause (9) of the Rules deals with office bearers and their duties. Clause (9.1) deals with President, Clause (9.2) deals with Vice President, Clause (9.3.) deals with Secretary and Clause (9.4) deals with Treasurer. Clause (9) of the Rules reads thus;
"9. ഭാ വാഹികളുും, ച മരലയ ും 9.1. ത്പസിഡന്് ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങളിൽ അദ്ധയക്ഷ്ും വഹിക്ക ക, ദ്ദയാഗനെപെികൾ ദ്ദ ഖടപ്പെ ത്തിയ മിനിട്സിൽ ഒപ്പ് വച്ച് അുംഗീകാ ും 11 DBP No.8 of 2024 നൽക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദപ ിൽ ത്പസിഡന്േ ും ത്െഷേേ ും കൂട്ടായി ഏടരങ്കില ും ഒ ദ്ദദശ്സാൽകൃര/ടഷഡയൂൾഡ് ാങ്കിൽ അക്കൗണ്ട് ര േക്ക ക, ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ നിർദ്ദേശ്ങ്ങൾ അന സ ിച്ച് സമിരി ത്പവർത്തിക്ക ന്ന എന്ന് ഉേപ്പുവ ത്ത ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദനരൃരവത്തില ള്ള പണപ്പി ിവ് സും ന്ധിച്ച ദ്ദമൽദ്ദനാട്ടും വഹിക്ക ക, ദ്ദ ാർഡ് അുംഗീക ിക്ക ന്ന കാ യങ്ങൾക്ക മാത്രും നിയമാന സൃരും ഫണ്ട് ടചലവാക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന് ഉേപ്പുവ ത്ത ക, പണപ്പി ിവ് കഴിഞ്ഞാല െൻ രക നിയമാന സയരും ദ്ദജായിന്് അക്കൗണ്ടിൽ നിദ്ദക്ഷ്പിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന് ഉേപ്പുവ ത്ത ക, ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രഉന്നമനത്തിന ഭക്തജന സൗക യാർഥും പദ്ധരികൾ ആവിഷ്ക്ക്ക ിച്ച് ദ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ അന മരിദ്ദയാടെ നെപ്പാക്ക ക. എല്ാും അുംഗങ്ങളുടെയ ും വിശ്വാസവ ും സഹക ണവ ും കൂട്ടായ്ക്മയ ും ഉേപ്പാക്കി അച്ചെക്കദ്ദത്താടെ ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരി ത്പവർത്തിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന് ഉേപ്പുവ ത്ത ക.
9.2. വവസ്ത ത്പസിഡന്് ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങൾ കൂെ ദ്ദപാൾ ത്പസിഡന്േിന്ടേ അഭാവത്തിൽ ദ്ദയാഗത്തിന് അദ്ധയക്ഷ്ും വഹിക്ക ക, ദ്ദയാഗ നെപെികൾ നിയത്ന്തിക്ക ക, ദ്ദയാഗത്തിന്ടേ മിനിട്സ്ത ഒപ്പ് വച്ച് അുംഗീക ിക്ക ക. ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരി ത്പവർത്തനങ്ങളിൽ ത്പസിഡന്േിടന സഹായിക്ക ക.
9.3. ടസകട്ടേി
ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ വദനുംദിന ത്പവർത്തനങ്ങൾ നെത്ത ക,
വ വ കൾക്ക് സീത് ടകാെ ക്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ത്തിന്
വിദ്ദധയമായി ചിലവ കൾ ടചയ്യുക, ചിലവ കൾക്ക് വൗച്ചേ കൾ
എഴ രി സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക, വ വ് ചിലവ് കണക്ക കൾ എഴ രി
സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദപ ില ള്ള ാങ്ക് അക്കൗണ്ട്, ടചക്ക ക്ക്,
മറ്റ് േിക്കാർഡ കൾ മ രലായവ സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക. ദ്ദയാഗരീ മാനങ്ങൾ
മിനിട്സിൽ ദ്ദ ഖടപ്പെ ത്തി ത്പസിഡന്േിന്ടേ വകടയാപ്പ് വാങ്ങി
സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക. സമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ദ്ദത്താടെ ദ്ദ ഖകൾ, നിർദ്ദദശ്ങ്ങൾ, അേിയിപ്പുകൾ, അദ്ദപക്ഷ്കൾ എന്നിവ ദ്ദദവസവും അധികൃരർ മ പാടക സമർപ്പിക്ക ക. സാപത്തിക സമാഹ ണവ ും മറ്റുും നെത്ത ന്നരിന് ഡിപ്പാർട്ടുടമന്േിന്ടേ അന മരി വാങ്ങിച്ച് ആവശ്യമായ കൂപ്പൺ രയ്യാോക്കി അസിസ്റ്റന്് ദ്ദദവസവും കമ്മീഷണേ ടെ സീൽവച്ച് സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക കയ ും അത് നിയമാന സൃരും ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്ക ന്ന എന്ന് ഉേപ്പുവ ത്ത കയ ും ടചയ്യുക, പണപ്പി ിവ കളുടെയ ും വ വ ടചലവ കളുടെയ ും വാർഷിക കണക്ക കൾ ആഡിറ്റ് നെത്തി എല്ാ വർഷവ ും ഏത്പിൽ മാസും 30-ാാാും രീയരിയ്ക്ക്ക് മ പായി 12 DBP No.8 of 2024 ദ്ദ ാർഡ് അധികൃര ടെ മ പാടക ഹാജ ാക്ക ക, സമിരിയ ടെ േിക്കാർഡ കൾ സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ക, സമിരി നിർദ്ദേശ്ിക്ക ന്നര ും, ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാർഡ് നിശ്ചയിക്ക ന്നര മായ ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങളിൽ സമിരിടയ ത്പരിനിധീക ിക്ക ക, ത്പസിഡന്േിന്ടേ നിർദ്ദേശ്ാന സ ണും സമിരി ദ്ദയാഗങ്ങൾ വിളിച്ച് കൂട്ടുക.
9.4. ത്െഷേർ സമിരിയ ടെ ദ്ദപ ിൽ ദ്ദജായിന്് അക്കൗണ്ട് ര െങ്ങ ക, നിശ്ചിര ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്കായി സമാഹ ിക്ക ന്ന പണും അപ്പദ്ദപ്പാൾ ാങ്ക് അക്കൗണ്ടിൽ നിദ്ദക്ഷ്പിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന് ഉേപ്പുവ ത്ത ക. വ വ ടചലവ കൾക്ക് വൗച്ചേ കൾ സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന ും, കണക്ക കൾ കൃരയമായി ദ്ദ ഖടപ്പെ ത്തി വയ്ക്ക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന ും ഉപദ്ദയാഗിച്ച സീര കളുടെ കൗണ്ടർ ദ്ദഫായില കളുും ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്കാത്ത സീര കളുും ത്പദ്ദരയകും സൂക്ഷ്ിക്ക ന്ന ടവന്ന ും ഉേപ്പുവ ത്ത ക.
ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ അുംഗീകാ ദ്ദത്താെ കൂെിയ ും ത്പസിഡന്്,
ടസത്കട്ടേി എന്നിവ ടെ അേിദ്ദവാട് കൂെിയ മാണ് വ വ് ടചലവ കൾ
നെത്ത ന്നടരന്ന് ഉേപ്പു വ ത്ത ക, അെിയന്തി ഘട്ടങ്ങളിൽ
ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്ക ന്നരിന് സമിരിയ ടെ രീ മാനത്തിന് വിദ്ദധയമായി
ആയി ും ൂപയിൽ കവിയാത്ത ര ക വകവശ്ും വയ്ക്ക്ക ക.
(underline supplied)
12. As per Clause (9) of the Rules, one of the duties of the President, as provided in Clause (9.1), is to formulate projects for the betterment of the temple and for the convenience of the devotees and implement the same with the approval of the Board. The President has to supervise the collection of funds at the initiative of the Advisory Committee and he has to ensure that the functioning of the Committee is in accordance with the directions issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board. As per Clause (9.3), the Secretary of the Committee has to get the approval of the Department for the 13 DBP No.8 of 2024 collection of funds. He has to print coupons and keep them in safe custody after obtaining the seal of the Assistant Commissioner. He has to ensure that such coupons are used only as per the permission granted by the Board. The Secretary has to cause the accounts relating to the collection of funds, income and expenditure audited which shall be produced before the authorities in the Board before 30th April of every year. As per Clause (9.4) of the Rules, the Treasurer has to ensure that proper accounts are maintained for the income and expenditure and that the income and expenditure of the Advisory Committee is with the approval of the Committee and with the knowledge of the President and the Secretary.
13. Clause (18) of the Rules, which deals with prohibitions, reads thus;
"18.നിദ്ദ ാധനും ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിദ്ദയാ, അുംഗങ്ങദ്ദളാ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്ര സന്ദർശ്ക ിൽ നിന്ന ും ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിന ള്ളിൽ വച്ച് യാടരാ പണപി ിവ കളുും നെത്താൻ പാെില്. ദ്ദക്ഷ്ദ്ദത്രാപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയ ടെ ച മരലയിൽ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിന ള്ളിൽ നെക്ക ന്ന ചെങ്ങ കളുടെ ദ്ദവദികളിൽ പണും സമാഹ ിക്ക ന്നരിന് കാണിക്കവഞ്ചികദ്ദളാ, പാത്രങ്ങദ്ദളാ ടവയ്ക്ക്കാൻ പാെില്ാത്തരാണ്. ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രവികസന കാ യങ്ങൾക്ക് ദ്ദവണ്ടി ഡിപ്പാർട്ടുടമന്ടേ അന വാദദ്ദത്താെ കൂെി കൂപ്പണ കൾ അച്ചെിക്ക ദ്ദപാൾ നിശ്ചിരര ക ദ്ദ ഖടപ്പെ ത്തിയ കൂപ്പണ കൾ മാത്രദ്ദമ അച്ചെിക്കാൻ പാെ ള്ളൂ. അസിസ്റ്റന്് ദ്ദദവസവും കമ്മീഷണേ ടെ മ ത്ദ പരിപ്പിക്കാത്ത സീര കൾ യാടരാ കാ ണവശ്ാല ും പണപ്പി ിവിന് ഉപദ്ദയാഗിക്കാൻ പാെില്. ഇരിന് വി ദ്ധമായ ത്പവർത്തനങ്ങൾ 14 DBP No.8 of 2024 ത്ശ്ദ്ധയിൽടപ്പട്ടാൽ സാപത്തിക ത്കമദ്ദക്കൊയി പ ിഗണിച്ച് നിലവില ള്ള നിയമങ്ങൾ അന സ ിച്ച് കർശ്ന നെപെികൾ സവീക ിക്കാന ള്ള അധികാ ും ദ്ദ ാർഡിന് ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരാണ്. ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയിടല ഭാ വാഹിരവത്തില ും അുംഗരവത്തില ും ഉൾടപ്പെ ന്ന ഒ വയക്തിക്ക് ര െർച്ചയായി ണ്ട കമ്മിറ്റിയ ടെ കാലാവധിയിൽ കൂെ രൽ സമിരിയിൽ ര െ ാൻ അർഹര ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരല്. രി വിരാുംകൂർ ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ ഭ ണാധികാ ടത്തയ ും നിയത്ന്തണാധികാ ടത്തയ ും സമിരിദ്ദക്കാ, സമിരിയിടല അുംഗങ്ങൾദ്ദക്കാ ദ്ദചാദയും ടചയ്യാൻ യാടരാ അവകാശ്വ ും ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരല്. ദ്ദദവസവും ദ്ദ ാർഡിന്ടേ ഭ ണത്തില ള്ള ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രത്തിടല ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയിൽ അുംഗമായിട്ടുള്ള ഒ ാൾക്ക് അദ്ദരകാലയളവിൽ ദ്ദ ാർഡ് ഭ ണത്തില ള്ള മറ്റ് ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രങ്ങളിദ്ദലദ്ദയാ ഏടരങ്കില ും സവകാ യ ദ്ദക്ഷ്ത്രങ്ങളിദ്ദലദ്ദയാ ഉപദ്ദദശ്കസമിരിയിദ്ദലാ മറ്റു ഭ ണസമിരിയിദ്ദലാ അുംഗമായി ിക്കാൻ അർഹര ഉണ്ടായി ിക്ക ന്നരല്."
(underline supplied)
14. Clause (18) of the Rules prohibits the Temple Advisory Committee from collecting funds in connection with any ceremonies in the temple by placing 'kanikkavanchi' or 'hundies'. When coupons are printed for development activities in the temple, with the approval of the Department, only coupons for the specified amount shall be printed. No receipts without the seal of the Assistant Commissioner shall be used for collecting funds.
15. In Sunil Kumar C. and others v. Travancore Devaswom Board and others [2022 (4) KHC 663] a Division Bench of this Court in which one among us [Anil K. Narendran, J.] was a party noticed that the provisions under Clause (18) of 15 DBP No.8 of 2024 the Rules for the formation of Temple Advisory Committees in temples under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board provide sufficient safeguards to prevent any illegal collection of funds by the Temple Advisory Committee for development activities in a temple.
16. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a 'worshipper' is a person who shows reverence and adoration for a deity. Right to worship is a civil right, of course in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in each temple.
17. In Major Vellayani Devi Temple Advisory Committee v. State of Kerala [2023 (2) KHC 290] a Division Bench of this Court in which one among us [Anil K. Narendran, J.] was a party held that, in view of the provisions of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, the Travancore Devaswom Board is duty bound to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in the temple are performed promptly; and to establish and maintain proper facilities in the temple for the devotees. Subject to the provisions of Part I of the Act and the Rules made thereunder, the Board shall manage the properties and affairs of the Devaswom and arrange for the conduct of the daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in the temple according to 16 DBP No.8 of 2024 the usage. The Temple Advisory Committee of a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which consists of devotees who fall under the eligibility criteria prescribed in Clause (3) of the Rules framed under sub-section (3) of Section 31A of the Act, is duty bound to render necessary assistance to the Board and its officials for the smooth functioning of the temple activities and festivals according to the usage.
18. The law laid down in Major Vellayani Devi Temple Advisory Committee [2023 (2) KHC 290] has been reiterated by this Court in Rajalekshmi P. v. State of Kerala [2023 (3) KHC 491].
19. 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession in connection with the annual temple festival of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple for the year 2015 was the subject matter in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015 filed before this Court by Sree Mahadeva Vidyanikethan, Ettumanoor. In that writ petition, this Court passed a detailed interim order on 06.02.2015 and the writ petition was disposed of by the judgment dated 06.10.2022
- Sree Mahadeva Vidyanikethan v. Travancore Devaswom Board and others [2022:KER:53614].
20. On 03.02.2015, after hearing arguments for some 17 DBP No.8 of 2024 time in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015, a Division Bench of this Court in which one among us [Anil K. Narendran, J.] was a party, directed the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board to ascertain the views of the Thantri of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, through the officers of the Travancore Devaswom Board, on 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession and as to whether it is part of the tradition of the temple. On 05.02.2015, when that writ petition came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for the Board made available for the perusal of the Division Bench a letter dated 04.02.2015 from the Thantri addressed to the Assistant Commissioner of the Devaswom, in which it was stated that 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession is not part of the rituals or practice followed in the temple. According to the Thantri, 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' can be presented by the Devaswom itself. In that letter, the Thantri has also expressed concern over the disputes that may arise during the annual temple festival, in case more than one 'Kodikkoora and Kodikkayar' is brought by different factions of people or organisations. Before the Division Bench, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board submitted that 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession is not part of the ritual of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple and that, the 18 DBP No.8 of 2024 Administrative Officer of the Devaswom will personally collect 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' and bring it to the Temple for presenting it for the purpose of hoisting the flag on the golden flag mast of the temple. The learned Standing Counsel also submitted that the Board has no objection to the petitioner therein, Sree Mariyamman Kovil Trust - the additional 5th respondent therein or any other organisation cooperating with the activities undertaken by the Board in this regard.
21. In Paragraph 6 of the order dated 06.02.2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015, the Division Bench found that though it was contended by the petitioner and additional 5th respondent Trust that 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession is part of the ritual of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, the documents on record make it abundantly clear that that 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession was started only during the year 2009. The Thantri in his letter dated 04.02.2015 has categorically stated that 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession is not part of the ritual of the temple. Therefore, in the order dated 06.02.2015 the Division Bench found no force in the contention raised by the petitioner and additional 5th respondent Trust that 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession is part of the ritual of the temple. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, 19 DBP No.8 of 2024 the Division Bench passed an order dated 06.02.2015 to bring 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' in connection with the annual festival of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, subject to further orders to be passed in that writ petition. Paragraph 9 of the order dated 06.02.2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015 read thus;
"9. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, we pass the following order for bringing 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' in connection with the annual festival of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, which will be subject to further orders that may be passed in this writ petition;
(i) The Administrative Officer of the Devaswom will personally collect the 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' from Chengalam Vadakkedath Illam in association with the Temple Advisory Committee and bring it to Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, for presenting the holy flag and rope for the purpose of hoisting the said flag on the golden flag mast of the Temple;
(ii) The petitioner, the 5th respondent or any other organisation will be at liberty to co-operate with the activities undertaken by the Board and the Temple Advisory Committee in this regard and to bring the 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' in a procession, subject to the condition that, they shall neither publish any notice in their name nor collect any money from the public in connection with the procession or the presentation of the holy flag and rope for the purpose of hoisting it on the golden flag mast of the Temple;
(iii) Any contribution by the petitioner, the 5th respondent, any other organisation or devotees should be made to 20 DBP No.8 of 2024 the Administrative Officer of the Devaswom, who shall issue proper receipts for the same;
(iv) After the presentation of 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' during the festival season is over, the Advocate Commissioner/the Travancore Devaswom Board shall submit a report before this Court;
(v) If any untoward incident occurs in connection with the procession or the presentation of the 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' during the current festival season, at the instance of the petitioner, the 5th respondent or any other organisation claiming the right to conduct the procession or presentation of 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar', it will be open to the Board to seek appropriate orders of this Court for modifying or recalling this order;
(vi) The Administrative Officer of the Devaswom shall put up a notice in the notice board to the effect that devotees can offer 'Kodikkoora and Kodikkayar' as Vazhipadu in the ensuing years and that such offers will be accepted on a first come first served basis, on payment of the expenses in that regard, fixed from time to time." (underline supplied)
22. W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015 was disposed of by the judgment dated 06.10.2022 - Sree Mahadeva Vidyanikethan [2022:KER:53614] - making it clear that, the directions contained paragraph 9 of the order of this Court dated 06.02.2015, for bringing 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' in connection with the annual temple festival of Ettumanoor Sree 21 DBP No.8 of 2024 Mahadeva Temple shall be followed, in letter and spirit, by all concerned. The Administrative Officer of the Devaswom shall personally collect the 'Kodikkoora and Kodikkayar' from Chengalam Vadakkedath Illam in association with the Temple Advisory Committee and bring it to Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, for presenting the holy flag and rope for the purpose of hoisting the said flag on the golden flag mast of the Temple. All devotees shall cooperate with the activities undertaken by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Temple Advisory Committee of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple to bring 'Kodikkoora and Kodikkayar' in a procession. Neither the petitioner therein nor the 5th respondent trust or any other organisation shall publish any notice in their name or collect any money from the public in connection with 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession. Any contribution by the petitioner, the 5th respondent Trust, any other organisation or the devotees for the conduct of 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession shall be made to the Administrative Officer, who shall issue proper receipts for the same.
23. In the complaint dated 03.01.2024 made by a devotee of Lord Ettumanoorappan, the Deity of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, various irregularities in the conduct of 22 DBP No.8 of 2024 'Kodikkoora Samarpanam', i.e., 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession in connection with the annual festival of that temple is pointed out.
24. A reading of the directions contained in the order of this Court dated 06.02.2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015, which is extracted hereinbefore at paragraph 21 would make it explicitly clear that the activities in connection with 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession has to be undertaken by the Travancore Devaswom Board with the assistance of the 5 th respondent Temple Advisory Committee constituted under Section 31A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act. Any devotee or organisation will be at liberty to co-operate with the activities in connection with bringing 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' to the temple for the purpose of hosting the flag on the golden flag-mast of the temple, subject to the condition that they shall neither publish any notice in their name nor collect any money from the public in connection with the procession or presentation of the holy flag and rope. Any contribution by a devotee or organisation in connection with that procession should be made to the 4th respondent Administrative Officer, who shall issue proper receipts for the same.
25. By the aforesaid order dated 06.02.2015 the 4th 23 DBP No.8 of 2024 respondent Administrative Officer was directed to put up a notice in the notice board to the effect that devotees can offer 'Kodikkoora and Kodikkayar' as Vazhipadu in the ensuing years and that such offers will be accepted on a first come first served basis, on payment of the expenses in that regard, fixed from time to time. [See: Para (vi) of the order dated 06.02.2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015]. While disposing of that writ petition by the judgment dated 06.10.2022 - Sree Mahadeva Vidyanikethan [2022:KER:53614] - this Court made it clear that, the directions contained in paragraph 9 of the order dated 06.02.2015, for bringing 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' in connection with the annual temple festival of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple shall be followed, in letter and spirit, by all concerned.
26. In terms of the directions contained in the judgment dated 06.10.2022 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015, whereby the directions contained in paragraph 9 of the order dated 06.02.2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015 was made absolute, the 4th respondent Administrative Officer of the Devaswom has to personally collect the 'Kodikkoora and Kodikkayar' from Chengalam Vadakkedath Illam in association with the Temple Advisory Committee and bring it to Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva 24 DBP No.8 of 2024 Temple, for presenting the holy flag and rope for the purpose of hoisting the said flag on the golden flag mast of the Temple. All devotees shall cooperate with the activities undertaken by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Temple Advisory Committee of Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple to bring 'Kodikkoora and Kodikkayar' in a procession. No devotee or any organization shall publish any notice in their name or collect any money from the public in connection with 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession. Any contribution by a devotee or organisation for the conduct of 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession shall be made to the 4th respondent Administrative Officer, who shall issue proper receipts for the same. The selection of a devotee to offer 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar', in connection with the annual festival in the temple, for the year 1199 ME (2024) shall be strictly in terms of the directions contained in clause (vi) of paragraph 9 of the order dated 06.02.2015 in W.P.(C)No.3258 of 2015.
27. With the directions contained hereinbefore at paragraph 26, this DBP is disposed of.
28. The learned Advocate Commissioner appointed by this Court in DBA No.2 of 2010, who has already filed reports in DBP No.90 of 2022, which was registered suo motu, in terms of the 25 DBP No.8 of 2024 directions contained in the order of this Court dated 09.11.2022 in DBP No.17 of 2022, shall oversee the entire activities in connection with 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession in Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple for the year 1199 ME (2024) to ensure that the directions contained hereinbefore are complied with, in letter and spirit, in the matter of selection of the devotee to offer 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' and also in the conduct of 'Kodikkoora' and 'Kodikkayar' procession.
29. Registry to issue a copy of this order to the learned Advocate Commissioner.
It would be open to the learned Advocate Commissioner to file a preliminary report before this Court in DBP No.90 of 2022, in case any further directions are required.
Sd/-
ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE Sd/-
G. GIRISH, JUDGE AV/29/1 26 DBP No.8 of 2024 APPENDIX OF DBP 8/2024 RESPONDENT ANNEXURES ANNEXURE-R2(A) TRUE COPY OF THE UNDERTAKING DATED 18.01.2024 EXECUTED BY SRI. KANNAN