Devaswom Board disputes claim: Kerala HC initiates suo motu case after news report claims devotees made to wash feet of 12 Brahmins
The Kerala High Court initiated a suo motu case after a news report claimed devotees were made to wash feet of 12 Brahmins.
Background
The DBP is registered suo motu, by proceedings, based on a news item that appeared in Kerala Kaumudi daily, in which it is stated that, as part of ‘Panthrandu Namaskaram’ in Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura under the management of Cochin Devaswom Board, the devotees are made to wash the feet of 12 brahmins as atonement for sins. A copy of the news item that appeared in Kerala Kaumudi is enclosed along with the proceedings dated 04.02.2022.
Argument
The Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board, on instructions, submitted that in connection with ‘Panthrandu Namaskaram’ in Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, the devotees are not made to wash the feet of brahmins, as stated in the news report.
He contended that it is the ‘Thantri’, who wash the feet of 12 poojaries of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, in connection with ‘Panthrandu Namaskaram’. The Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board seeks two weeks time to file an affidavit on behalf of the respondent.
Court Order
The division bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar listed the matter on 25.02.2022.
Case title: Suo Motu v/s State of Kerala and Ors.
Citation: DBP NO. 5 OF 2022
