Kerala High Court prohibits political events at Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur

The Kerala High Court has banned the use of Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur for political activities and gatherings. The court also held that the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) cannot allow the conduct of events by State government departments at the Maidan.

The CDB had informed the court that it had been facing an acute financial crisis and was unable to manage all the 409 temples under it effectively, and that it would be able to significantly improve its income if it did not require the court’s permission to let out the Maidan for religious, cultural or other events. The Board said the additional income would be used for the development of temples and the welfare of devotees.

It also sought permission to allow events related to the Devaswom department or temples under various Devaswom boards at the Maidan without any licence fee.

The court directed that no permanent or semi-permanent constructions should be allowed at the Maidan without its prior approval. It also prescribed conditions that must be included in agreements between programme organisers and the Board, such as proper waste management, regulation of sound levels, and a ban on the use of non-biodegradable materials, among others.

In 1990, the court had permitted the Board to grant temporary licences for seasonal businesses like sale of watermelons and exhibitions during Thrissur Pooram. In 2003, the court said the Maidan could be used only for activities that would not hurt the sentiments of devotees.

Permanent constructions were restricted at the Maidan in 2010, and the court had directed afforestation activities there. It had also intervened in 2022 to allow exhibitions on the Pooram ground to support the Board through the financial crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and later to halt the installation of hoardings and structures that impeded the right of pedestrians.