Ernakulam: The Kerala High Court strongly criticized the banning of fireworks displays, a customary ritual in temples. The Kerala High Court ruled that fireworks display in temples cannot be banned, emphasizing the state’s responsibility for ensuring safety.
The Kerala High Court observed that fireworks displays cannot be banned by the Kerala government in temples where it is customary during festivals, stating that accidents had occurred in some other temples.
The High Court compared banning fireworks displays in temples to banning road and rail traffic due to accidents elsewhere.
Justice PV Kunhikrishnan made this observation while setting aside an order of Additional District Magistrates (ADM) who had refused permission for fireworks displays during the Arattupuzha Pooram festival in Thrissur and the Parakkat Sree Bhagavathi Temple festival (Kavasseri Pooram) in Palakkad.
High Court also directed the concerned magistrates to reconsider the applications of the temple authorities and issue fresh orders.
The High Court also pointed out that accidents during fireworks displays occur due to negligence by the Kerala government in taking adequate precautionary measures.
The High Court also clarified that fireworks display may not be allowed in all temples, but fireworks display as part of custom and ritual should not be banned on the grounds that an accident occurred elsewhere.
Temple festivals are a part of Kerala’s tradition and culture. The Court added that it is the Kerala state government’s duty to provide all adequate safety measures for temple festivals and associated fireworks displays. If any accidents occur, the government should take responsibility. The High Court also directed the Kerala government to take all precautionary measures to prevent accidents.
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