High Court of KeralaDivision BenchWrit petition disposed of with directions at pa...

Mohandas N.K. v. State of Kerala & Others

Case / Petition Number:WP(C)No.41148 of 2023

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • Anil K. Narendran
  • G. Girish
Judgment Date
2024-01-16
Court Decision / Holding
The writ petition is disposed of with directions: (i) Regulate the movement of vehicles through Nadappanthal in front of the temple, with no vehicle parked in Nadappanthal; such vehicles shall be parked inside the Sathram compound; (ii) The Cochin Devaswom Board to consider allotment of Sathram rooms for devotees at nominal rent and decide within one month; (iii) Provide a special queue for aged persons, children and persons with disabilities, on festival seasons; (iv) Allow rear-door entry for Neykkudam vazhipadu and those permitted by the Board, subject to customary practice; (v) Ext.P15 against the District Collector will not be entertained; (vi) A plan to be prepared for implementing these measures, in line with the orders in SSCR No. 29/2023 and connected matters; (vii) The 2nd respondent to regulate Nadappanthal, ensuring no obstruction to devotees and pilgrims, within a month. The Court also noted that some concessions are permissible under temple practice and directed expeditious action by the Board and authorities.
Final Disposition
Writ petition disposed of with directions at paras. 11, 12 and 14: regulate Nadappanthal vehicle movement; no parking in Nadappanthal; parking inside Sathram; consider Sathram rooms within a month; provide special queue for elderly/disabled; rear-door entry permissible for Neykkudam vazhipadu; Ext.P15 against District Collector not entertained; Board to implement measures in line with SSCR orders.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Mohandas N.K.

Respondents

  • State of Kerala represented by Secretary to Government, Revenue (Devaswom) Department
  • District Collector, Ernakulam
  • Cochin Devaswom Board, represented by its Secretary
  • The Commissioner, Cochin Devaswom Board
  • The Assistant Commissioner, Chottanikkara Devaswom
  • The Manager, Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple
  • Temple Advisory Committee
  • Station House Officer, Chottanikkara Police Station (Added R8)

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Resmi A., Advocate

Counsels for Respondents

  • • S. Rajmohan, Senior Government Pleader
  • • K.P. Sudheer, Standing Counsel, Cochin Devaswom Board

Case Synopsis & Summary

Mohandas N.K., a devotee of the Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple administered by the Cochin Devaswom Board, filed this writ petition under Article 226 seeking mandamus to (i) provide a special darshan queue for senior citizens, differently-abled and other select categories; (ii) ensure non-discrimination and equal opportunity for darshan; (iii) declare that rear-door entry is not permissible; and (iv) involve the District Collector to consider Ext.P15 alleging entry discrimination. The petitioner also highlighted administrative and infrastructural issues—rear-door darshan, Nadappanthal parking obstructing movement, stray dogs near the temple, and poor facilities—supported by Exts. P5, P10, and P14. The Court examined the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 (Sections 62, 73A, 74, 64) vesting administration in the Board and prescribing duties to maintain facilities for devotees, along with relevant provisions under the Guruvayur Devaswom Act and other related orders. It cited earlier judgments on mandamus and worship rights to frame the legal framework: mandamus issues when statutory duties exist and right to performance is subsisting; courts cannot compel actions contrary to law. The judgment also references SSCR orders on crowd management at Sabarimala and Guruvayur, and Suo Motu decisions restricting vehicular movement and decorative practices in Nadapanthal. The bench directs the Board and authorities to implement temple-facility reforms while balancing traditional practice.

Provisions of Law Cited

Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 – Section 62(1)Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 – Section 62(2)Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 – Section 73ATravancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 – Section 74Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 – Section 64Section 15ASection 31ASection 76AGuruvayur Devaswom Act, 1978 – Section 10Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act)

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Writ of mandamus can be granted only where there is a statutory duty imposed on the officer and failure to discharge the duty. (Bihar Eastern Gangetic Fishermen Co-operative Society Ltd. v. Sipahi Singh, 1977)
  • Mandamus can be issued when the applicant has a legal right to performance by the party against whom it is sought and such right subsists on the date of petition. (State of U.P. v. Harish Chandra, 1996)
  • No court can issue a direction contrary to law or to require an authority to act in contravention of statutory provisions. (Bhaskara Rao A.B. v. CBI, 2011)
  • A worshipper has a right to worship in an accustomed manner subject to temple practice and tradition, and Nadapanthal entries must not impede worshippers; parking and flex-board activities in Nadapanthal are to be restrained consistent with statutory duties. (Suo Motu v. Guruvayur Devaswom; 2022; Suo Motu v. Administrator, Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee; 2023; Suo Motu v. State of Kerala; 2022)

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioner urged mandamus to create a special queue for elderly and disabled devotees, enforce non-discrimination in darshan, and bar rear-door access, contending that Nadappanthal parking and stray dogs cause inconvenience and impede worship. He relied on Exts. P5, P10, P14 and Ext.P15 to highlight discrimination and infrastructural lapses, and invoked statutory duties under the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act to demand reform and access for devotees.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents emphasized the Board’s statutory duties under Sections 73A, 62, and 74 of the Travancore-Cochin Act, and the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, directing provision of facilities for devotees and proper management. They argued that mandamus cannot compel actions contrary to law or encroach upon the District Collector’s role absent a statutory duty, and that some darshan practices (e.g., rear-door entry for Neykkudam vazhipadu) and temple customs are to be respected. The matter is also framed within SSCR orders and Suo Motu decisions directing temple authorities to regulate Nadappanthal access and facilities while balancing worship norms.

Cited Precedents (7)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Bihar Eastern Gangetic Fishermen Co-operative Society Ltd. v. Sipahi Singh(1977) 4 SCC 145PositiveCited to establish that mandamus issues where there is statutory duty and failure to discharge it.
State of U.P. v. Harish Chandra(1996) 9 SCC 309PositiveSupports that mandamus is available where a legal right to performance exists.
Bhaskara Rao A.B. v. CBI(2011) 10 SCC 259PositiveReaffirms that courts cannot direct acts contrary to law or statutory provisions.
Suo Motu v. Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and others2022 (6) KLT 849PositiveNadapanthal not for movement of worshippers; supports restriction to protect worshippers.
Suo Motu v. Administrator, Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and others2023 (3) KHC 531PositiveAffirms limits on decorative/facility practices in Nadapanthal and obligations to provide facilities.
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and others2022:KER: 76999PositiveReiterates worshipper rights and Nadapanthal restrictions to prevent obstruction.
W.P.(C) No.17633 of 2014—Mentioned OnlyDivision Bench decision cited regarding parking of vehicles in Devaswom land; not overruled or distinguished in this judgment.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G. GIRISH ``` ``` TUESDAY, THE 16[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2024 / 26TH POUSHA, 1945 ``` ## **`WP(C)NO.41148 OF 2023`** ## **`PETITIONER/S:`** ``` MOHANDAS.N.K, AGED 45 YEARS S/O. LATE.T.J.BABY KOCHAMKUNNUMALAYIL (H), CHOTTANIKKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA, PIN – 682312 BY ADV RESMI A. ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/S:`** - **`1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT REVENUE(DEVASWOM)DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001`** - **`2 DISTRICT COLLECTOR COLLECTORATE, CIVIL STATION, KAKKANAD, ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682030`** - **`3 COCHIN DEVASWOM BOARD REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, DEVASWOM HEAD QUARTERS, SWARAJ ROUND WEST, THRISSUR, PIN - 680001`** - **`4 THE COMMISSIONER COCHIN DEVASWOM BOARD, SWARAJ ROUND WEST, THRISSUR, PIN - 680001`** - **`5 THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER CHOTTANIKKARA DEVASWOM, CHOTTANIKKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682312`** - **`6 THE MANAGER CHOTTANIKKARA BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE, CHOTTANIKKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682312`** - **`7 THE TEMPLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, CHOTTANIKKARA`** 2 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 ``` TEMPLE COMPOUND, CHOTTANIKKARA P.O., ERNAKULAM, PIN - 682312 8ADDL. R8. THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER, CHOTTANIKKARA POLICE STATION, CHOTTANIKKARA, PIN-682312 ``` ``` IS SUO MOTU IMPLEADED AS ADDITIONAL R8 AS PER THE ORDER DATED 12.12.2023 IN WP(C)41148 OF 2023. ``` ``` OTHER PRESENT: ``` ``` SRI S.RAJMOHAN - SR GOVERNMENT PLEADER ; SRI K.P.SUDHEER- STANDING COUNSEL- COCHIN DEVASWOM BOARD ``` ``` THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 16.01.2024, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 3 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 ## **JUDGMENT** ## Anil K. Narendran, J. The petitioner, who is a devotee of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, which is a temple under the management of the 3[rd] respondent Cochin Devaswom Board, has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of mandamus commanding the 5[th] respondent Assistant Commissioner, Chottanikkara Devaswom and the 6[th] respondent Manager, Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, to provide special queue for senior citizens, differently abled and other special categories of devotees in the temple. The petitioner has also sought for a writ of mandamus commanding the 3[rd] respondent Board to ensure that the devotees are not discriminated at the temple and all of them are getting equal opportunity for darshan; a declaration that no rear door darshan is permitted in Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple; and a writ of mandamus commanding the 2[nd] respondent District Collector, Ernakulam to consider and pass appropriate orders on Ext.P15 representation dated 27.02.2023 made by the petitioner pointing out the discrimination in the entry of devotees to the Chuttambalam of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple. 4 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 2. Along with the writ petition, the petitioner has placed on record Ext.P5 photographs showing entry of devotees to the Chuttambalam of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple for darshan, through rear door; Ext.P10 series of photographs showing parking of vehicles in the Nadappanthal of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, causing obstruction to the movement of devotees. Some of the vehicles parked in the Nadappanthal bear the name board ‘Government of India’, ‘Kerala State’, etc. Ext.P14 photographs show the presence of stray dogs near the Sreemoolasthanam of the temple. 3. On 12.12.2023, when this writ petition came up for consideration, the learned Senior Government Pleader was directed to get instructions as to whether the vehicles under the custody of the Police are being parked in the Devaswom parking ground of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple. On 20.12.2023, the learned Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board pointed out the judgment of a Division Bench of this Court dated 24.11.2014 in W.P.(C)No.17633 of 2014 regarding parking of such vehicles in the Devaswom land. 4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Senior Government Pleader for respondents 1, 2 & additional 8[th] 5 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 respondent and the learned Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board for respondents 3 to 6. 5. The Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950, was made for making provisions for the administration, supervision and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and Funds. Chapter VIII of the Act deals with Cochin Devaswom Board. Section 62 of the Act deals with vesting of administration in the Board. As per sub-section (1) of Section 62, the administration of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and Hindu Religious Institutions which were under the management of the Ruler of Cochin immediately prior to the first day of July, 1949 either under Section 50G of the Government of Cochin Act, XX of 1113, or under the provisions of the Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1 of 1081, and all their properties and funds and of the estates and all institutions under the management of the Devaswom Department of Cochin, shall vest in the Cochin Devaswom Board. As per sub-section (2) of Section 62, notwithstanding the provisions contained in subsection (1), the regulation and control of all rituals and ceremonies in the temple of Sree Poornathrayeesa at Trippunittura and in the Pazhayannur 6 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 Bhagavathy temple at Pazhayannur shall continue to be exercised as hitherto by the Ruler of Cochin. 6. Section 73A of the Act deals with duties of the Board. As per Section 73A, it shall be the duty of the Board to perform the functions enumerated in clauses (i) to (iv), namely, (i) to see that the regular traditional rites according to the practice prevalent in the religious institution are performed promptly; (ii) to monitor whether the administrative staff 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 major temples for the devotees. 7. Section 74 of the Act deals with vesting of jurisdiction in the Board. As per Section 74, subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of Section 62, all rights, authority and jurisdiction belonging to or exercised by the Ruler of Cochin prior to the 1[st] day of July, 1949 in respect of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and Institutions shall vest in and be exercised by the Board in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Section 74 of the Act deals with superintendence and control by the Board. As per Section 64, the Board shall, subject to the provisions of Part II of the Act, exercise supervision and control over the acts and 7 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 proceedings of all officers and servants of the Board and of the Devaswom Department. 8. Regarding crowd management and other aspects in connection with Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season of 1199 ME (2023-24), which is the subject matter in SSCR No.29 of 2023, and the steps to be taken to provide adequate facilities to pilgrims at Sabarimala Edathavalams, which is the subject matter in SSCR No.36 of 2023, this Court passed a detailed order on 09.01.2024 (at 12:30 p.m.). Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is identified as Sabarimala Edathavalam in which facilities are provided to pilgrims during Mandala-Makaravilakku festival seasons in terms of the directions issued by this Court. Paragraphs 9 to 16 of that order read thus; “9. In SSCR No.36 of 2023 filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, pursuant to the directions contained in the order of this Court dated 10.01.2023 in SSCR No.20 of 2022, regarding the steps to be taken to provide adequate facilities to pilgrims at Sabarimala Edathavalams, during Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival Season of 1199 ME (2023-24), this Court has issued various directions. 10. In the order dated 14.11.2023 in SSCR No.36 of 2023, this Court held that in view of the provisions contained in Section 15A and Section 73A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, the Travancore Devaswom 8 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 Board and the Cochin Devaswom Board have a statutory duty to ensure that proper facilities are provided to Sabarimala pilgrims in Sabarimala Edathavalams/temples under its management. In view of the provisions under Section 31A and 76A of the Act, the Temple Advisory Committees of the temples, which are identified by the Travancore Devaswom Board/Cochin Devaswom Board, to provide facilities to Sabarimala Pilgrims, during MandalaMakaravilakku festival season, have a statutory duty to render necessary assistance to the concerned Sub Group Officer/Devaswom Officer in providing such facilities to Sabarimala pilgrims. Similarly, in view of the provisions contained in Section 10 of the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, 1978, the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee has a statutory duty to ensure that proper facilities are provided to Sabarimala pilgrims in Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. 11. By the order dated 14.11.2023 in SSCR No.36 of 2023, this Court directed the concerned Assistant Devaswom Commissioner in the temples under the management of Travancore Devaswom Board/Cochin Devaswom Board and the Deputy Administrator of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple to conduct periodical inspections in those temples, in order to ensure that proper facilities are provided to Sabarimala pilgrims, during Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season of 1199 ME (2023-24). 12. A devotee of Chottanikkara Devi Temple has filed W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023, in which it is pointed out that the Nadapanthal in front of the temple is being used for parking vehicles, thereby causing serious inconvenience to the devotees. Chottanikkara Devi Temple, which is a temple under the Management of the Cochin Devaswom Board, is 9 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 identified as ‘Sabarimala Edathavalam’ in which a large number of Sabarimala pilgrims’ avail annadhanam, viri and toilet facilities. The photographs produced as Ext.P10 in that writ petition, to show the parking of vehicles, including vehicles exhibiting name boards ‘Kerala State’, ‘Government of India’, etc. in the Nadapanthal of Chottanikkara Devi Temple, causing inconvenience to the devotees and Sabarimala pilgrims, are reproduced hereunder; **==> picture [157 x 186] intentionally omitted <==** **==> picture [155 x 204] intentionally omitted <==** **==> picture [148 x 186] intentionally omitted <==** **==> picture [146 x 208] intentionally omitted <==** 13. In **Suo Motu v. Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and others [2022 (6) KLT 849]** this Court held that a 'worshipper', who shows reverence and adoration for Lord Guruvayurappan, is duty bound to 10 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. Nadapanthal is not intended for the movement of worshippers in vehicles. Entry of vehicles through Nadapanthal will certainly cause inconvenience to the worshippers, especially children of tender age, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and also mentally challenged persons. Restricted entry of vehicles through the northern gate, causing least inconvenience to the worshippers moving through the Nadapanthal, can be permitted for disabled persons or aged persons with restricted movement. Similarly, restricted movement of vehicles for the supply of articles to the temple for offerings and annadhanam, causing least inconvenience to the worshippers moving through the Nadapanthal, can also be permitted. In addition to this, the movement of ambulance through Nadapanthal, in case of emergency, can also be permitted. However, the practice of permitting a class of worshippers to bring their vehicles upto Bhagavathy Temple, through the Nadapanthal, with the active support of the members of the Managing Committee or the Administrator, has to be stopped with immediate effect. 14. In **Suo Motu v. Administrator, Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee and others [2023 (3) KHC 531]** this Court held that the decoration of the Nadapanthal of a temple with ornamental leaves and decorative hangings, with few flowers, cannot be termed as ‘Pushpalankaaram’. Such activities cannot be permitted in the Nadapanthal of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. Admittedly, ‘Pushpalankaaram’ is not a Vazhipadu item in the published list of Vazhipadu in Guruvayur Sree Krishna 11 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 Temple. During temple festivals, the Nadapanthal of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple can be decorated in the traditional way, by the Managing Committee. Every day, a large number of devotees, including children of tender age, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, have darshan at Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. The endeavour of the Managing Committee, in the discharge of its statutory duties under Section 10 of the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, should be to provide facilities for proper performance of worship by the devotees, instead of giving permission to a class of devotees to perform ‘Pushpalankaaram’ in the Nadappanthal, after availing the services of Event Management Groups. 15. In **Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and others [2022:KER: 76999]** this Court held that a ‘worshipper’ who shows reverence and adoration for Lord Guruvayurappan is duty bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. A worshipper of Lord Guruvayurappan or a group of worshippers who offer Vilakku Vazhipadu during Guruvayur Ekadashi cannot erect flex boards in the Nadappanthal or on the premises of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. Therefore, Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee cannot permit a worshipper or a group of worshippers who offer Vazhipadu in Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple to erect flex boards in the Nadappanthal or on the premises of the temple. The Managing Committee and the Administrator of Guruvayur Devaswom were directed to ensure that no such incidents are repeated in Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in future. 16. A 'worshipper' who shows reverence and adoration for 12 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 the Deity is duty-bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition of the temple. ‘Nadapanthal’ of a temple is not intended for the movement of worshippers in vehicles, for the parking of vehicles or for erecting flex boards by a worshipper or a group of worshippers. The entry or parking of vehicles in the Nadapanthal of a temple will certainly cause inconvenience to the worshippers, especially children of tender age, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and also mentally challenged persons. Therefore, it is for the Travancore Devaswom Board, Cochin Devaswom Board and the Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee to take necessary steps to prevent the movement or parking of vehicles in the Nadapanthal of the temples under its management and also erection of flex boards, etc., in the Nadapanthal, causing obstruction to the movement of worshippers and pilgrims.” 9. By the order dated 09.01.2024 in SSCR No.29 of 2023 and connected matters, the Travancore Devaswom Board, Cochin Devaswom Board and Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee are directed to take necessary steps to prevent the movement or parking of vehicles in the Nadappanthal of the temple under its management and also the erection of flex boards, etc., in the Nadappanthal causing obstruction to the movement of worshippers and pilgrims. 10. The learned Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board has made available for the perusal of this Court a Board 13 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 order dated 08.01.2024, i.e., Order No.H1.1364/22, which reads thus; “PROCEEDINGS OF THE COCHIN DEVASWOM BOARD Repainting and repairs to Darsana Sudarsana block - Chottanikkara temple. Read 1. Report from DAC Chottanikkara on M.2369/23 dt. 04-01-2024 2. Note from AE dt. 05-01-2024 3. Note from AEE dt. 05-01-2024 4. Note from EE dt. 05-01-2024 5. Board Resolution No. 11 dt. 05-01-2024 ## - - Order on H1. 1364/22 dt. 08 01 2024 As per the paper (1) cited above, Devaswom Assistant Commissioner has reported that the existing dilapidated building situated between Narayanamandiram and Darsana Sudarsana block to be demolished and the space be levelled out and used for parking VIP and VVIP vehicles coming to the temple which can be accessed through a new gate opposite to police station. As per the other papers cited above Assistant Engineer is directed to prepare the upset value of the building to be demolished. Devaswom Assistant Commissioner, Chottanikkara is directed to auction the building after obtaining the upset value.” 11. Having considered the pleadings and materials on record and the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to direct respondents 2 to 6 to regulate the movement of vehicles through the Nadappanthal in front of Chottanikkara 14 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 Bhagavathi Temple to Sathram buildings, in terms of the directions contained in the order dated 09.01.2024 in SSCR No.29 of 2023 and connected matters. No vehicle shall be permitted to be parked in the Nadappanthal in front of the temple, including the vehicles referred to in the Board order dated 08.01.2024. Such vehicles coming to Sathram buildings shall be parked inside the Sathram compound. Once alternative arrangements are made for the parking of such vehicles, in terms of Board order dated 08.01.2024, the entry of such vehicles through the Nadappanthal in front of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple shall also be prevented. 12. On a query made by this Court, the learned Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board would submit that there are 139 rooms in the ‘Sathram’ at Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, for the use of the devotees on payment of a nominal rent. Certain rooms in that Sathram are allotted to the temple employees, whose presence is required in the early morning before the temple opens at 03:30 a.m. It is for the 3[rd] respondent Board to take an appropriate decision, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment, regarding allotment of rooms in the ‘Sathram’, so that the maximum number of 15 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 devotees can avail the accommodation facility in that Sathram at a nominal rent. 13. Regarding the entry of devotees to the Chuttambalam of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple for darshan through the rear door, the learned Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board would submit that the devotees, who offer ‘Neykkudam vazhipadu’, who have to carry ‘Neykkudam’ from the vazhipadu counter and offer the same in front of sanctum sanctorum, are permitted entry to Chuttambalam through the rear door. As per the customary practice being followed, a devotee who offer ‘Neykkudam’ can be accompanied by five others. In addition to this, the temple employees, the local residents, who are daily worshippers and those referred to in the Board order dated 08.01.2024 are permitted entry through rear door. In addition to this, the devotees who are in the temple for Bhajana are permitted entry to Chuttambalam through the door on the southern side. 14. It is for the 3[rd] respondent Cochin Devaswom Board to take an appropriate decision for providing a special queue for aged persons, children of tender age and persons with disabilities, on festival seasons and special days, as done in other major temples. A decision in this regard shall be taken, as expeditiously as 16 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 possible, at any rate, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment. 15. Another relief sought for is a writ of mandamus commanding the 2[nd] respondent District Collector, Ernakulam to consider and pass appropriate orders on Ext.P15 representation dated 27.02.2023 made by the petitioner, pointing out the discrimination in the entry of devotees to the Chuttambalam of Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple. 16. In **Bihar Eastern Gangetic Fishermen Cooperative Society Ltd. v. Sipahi Singh [(1977) 4 SCC 145]** , a ThreeJudge Bench of the Apex Court held that a writ of mandamus can be granted only in a case where there is a statutory duty imposed upon the officer concerned and there is a failure on the part of that officer to discharge the statutory obligation. The chief function of a writ is to compel performance of public duties prescribed by statute and to keep subordinate tribunals and officers exercising public functions within the limit of their jurisdiction. ## 17. **In State of U.P. v. Harish Chandra [(1996) 9 SCC** **309]** the Apex Court held that under the Constitution a mandamus can be issued by the Court when the applicant establishes that he has a legal right to performance of legal duty 17 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 by the party against whom the mandamus is sought and said right was subsisting on the date of the petition. The duty that may be enjoined by mandamus may be one imposed by the Constitution or a Statute or by Rules or orders having the force of law. But no mandamus can be issued to direct the Government to refrain from enforcing the provisions of law or to do something which is contrary to law. 18. In **Bhaskara Rao A.B. v. CBI [(2011) 10 SCC 259]** the Apex Court reiterated that, generally, no court has competence to issue a direction contrary to law nor can the Court direct an authority to act in contravention of the statutory provisions. The Courts are meant to enforce the rule of law and not to pass the orders or directions which are contrary to what has been injected by law. 19. Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is a temple under the management of 3[rd] respondent Cochin Devaswom Board. In exercise of the statutory duty under Section 73A of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, it is for the 3[rd] respondent Board to establish and maintain proper facilities in Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple for the devotees to perform their right of worship. In such circumstances, the petitioner cannot approach the 2[nd] respondent District Collector with a 18 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 representation like Ext.P15, seeking interference in the matter. Viewed in the light of the law laid down in the decision referred to supra, the petitioner cannot seek a writ of mandamus commanding the 2[nd] respondent District Collector to take action on Ext.P15 representation. In the result, this writ petition is disposed of with the directions contained hereinbefore at paragraphs 11, 12 and 14. Sd/- **ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE** Sd/- **G. GIRISH, JUDGE** bkn/- 19 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 ## **`APPENDIX OF WP(C) 41148/2023`** ``` PETITIONER EXHIBITS Exhibit .P-1A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 12.11.2022 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER TO THE 6TH RESPONDENT Exhibit .P-2A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 18.11.2022 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER TO 4TH RESPONDENT Exhibit .P-3A TRUE COPY OF STATEMENT DATED 09.02.2023 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE VIGILANCE ASSISTANT OF 1ST RESPONDENT WITH READABLE COPY ``` ``` Exhibit .P-4A TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT DATED 23.02.2022 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE 5TH RESPONDENT Exhibit .P-5TRUE COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS DATED 23.10.2022 SHOWING REAR DOOR DARSHAN IN CHOTTANIKKARA BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE Exhibit.P- 6A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 14.03.2023 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER TO THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER OF CHOTTANIKKARA DEVASWOM UNDER RTI ACT Exhibit .P-7A TRUE COPY OF REPLY DATED 14.04.2023 GIVEN BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER OF CHOTTANIKKARA DEVASWOM TO THE PETITIONER Exhibit .P-8A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 10.12.2022 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER OF CHOTTANIKKARA DEVASWOM Exhibit.P- 9A TRUE COPY OF REPLY DATED 07.01.2023 GIVEN BY THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER OF CHOTTANIKKARA DEVASWOM TO THE PETITIONER Exhibit.P- 10TRUE COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS DATED 22.10.2023 SHOWING VEHICLES PARKED IN WESTERN NADAPPANTHAL OF CHOTTANIKKARA TEMPLE Exhibit .P-11A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 31.07.2023 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER OF 1ST RESPONDENT UNDER RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT Exhibit .P-12A TRUE COPY OF REPLY DATED 06.09.2023 GIVEN BY THE ACCOMMODATION MANAGER OF CHOTTANIKKARA BHAGAVATHI DEVASWOM TO THE ``` 20 W.P.(C)No.41148 of 2023 ``` PETITIONER UNDER RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT WITH READABLE COPY Exhibit .P-13A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 15.11.2023 SENT BY THE PETITIONER TO SRI.K.RADHAKRISHNAN, MINISTER OF DEVASWOM DEPARTMENT,KERALA Exhibit.P- 14TRUE COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS DATED 26.11.2023 SHOWING STRAY DOGS WANDERING IN CHOTTANIKKARA TEMPLE PREMISES Exhibit .P-15A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 27.02.2023 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER TO THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, ERNAKULAM Exhibit.P- 16A TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT DATED 13.03.2023 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER TO THE 4TH RESPONDENT Exhibit.P- 17A TRUE COPY OF COMPLAINT DATED 13.03.2023 GIVEN BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE 5TH RESPONDENT ```