Ponnambalamedu Trespassing Incident: Kerala HC Closes Suo Moto Proceedings

The Kerala High Court has recently disposed of the suo motu proccedings related to the alleged trespass into the sacred ‘Kalthara’ of Ponnambalamedu, a protected forest area near the Sabarimala Temple.

The case was initiated after certain individuals reportedly entered the protected area and performed pooja, as captured in a video that surfaced online. The Court took action based on the report of the Sabarimala special commissioner.

A division bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar acknowledged that entry into the area has now been restricted, and surveillance measures have been implemented following the Court’s directions issued on May 26, 2023.

Consequently, the Court directed the Deputy Director of the Periyar West Division to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in Ponnambalamedu and ensure the establishment of a real-time monitoring system in the area.

Additionally, the Forest officials were instructed to prevent unauthorized entry into Ponnambalamedu. During the proceedings, the Senior Government Pleader informed the Court that the first accused, who conducted the pooja in Ponnambalamedu, was yet to be arrested.

The pleader stated that the investigation was currently being supervised by the District Police Chief, Pathanamthitta.

The Bench made an oral observation that since appropriate measures were being taken, there was no need to keep the matter pending. Consequently, the suo motu case was disposed of.