Kerala High Court Asks Suchitwa Mission To Assist In Tackling Hygiene, Maintenance Issues At Chottanikkara Temple

The division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar observed,

“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 bench was hearing a suo motu petition concerning lapses in cleanliness in Chottanikkara Temple. The complaint depicted absence of basic amenities, misconduct by temple staff, deterioration in quality of offerings to the deity, financial irregularities, etc. It also contained photographs containing filth and decay in the kitchen and surrounding areas, substantial damage to the structural components of the temple.

The bench has earlier suo motu impleaded Executive Director of Suchitwa Mission.

When the matter came up for consideration yesterday, the bench noted that steps have been initiated to improve cleanliness and rectify deficiencies in the Temple premises.

It was submitted that the Suchitwa Mission, by communication dated 18.12.2023, has informed the Devaswom Board that work of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) could be undertaken if Detailed Project Report were prepared by accredited agency. However, it later changed stance and communicated that it cannot extend assistance as the temple falls within a Panchayat area, and the scheme applies only to properties within municipal limits.

Pursuant to the communication from Suchitwa Mission, Devaswom Board addressed a communication to the Special Secretary (Revenue) dated 09.07.2023, seeking permission for STP.

The Court noted that the communication addressed by Devaswom Board to Special Secretary (Revenue) in 2023 is still pending and hence directed the government pleader to take instructions regarding the steps that can be taken by Suchitwa Mission to provide assistance to Temple and local authority.

The case is posted on November 26 for further consideration.

Case No: DBP No. 52/2025

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala

Counsel for Respondents: K P Sudheer (SC - Cochin Devaswom Board), Vineeth Komalachandran, S Rajmohan (Sr. GP)