KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed state government, Devaswom Board and Forest department to inform their views within four weeks on the writ petitions regarding the controversy over 'Makara Jyothi' issue in the wake of the Pullumedu tragedy which claimed the lives of 102 Sabarimala pilgrims on Jan 14.
A Division bench comprising justice Thothathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice S Satish Chandran issued the directions when 3 petitions by the Kerala Yukti Vadi Sangham, Bharateeya Yukti Vadi Sangham and a former priest of the Sabarimala temple came up before the court.
The Kerala Yukti Vadi Sangham demanded to place the reports of the Justice Chardasekhara Menon commission, now before the assembly, before the court, while the Akhil Bharateeya Yukti Vadi Sangham, sought for a direction not to utilise government funds for lighting 'Makara Jyothi', which was 'man made'.
Former melsanthi (priest) of sabarimala in his petition said 'Makara Jyothi' was a matter of faith and none should interfere.
The board has been asked to get the opinion of thantri.
The high court had also wanted to know if 'Makara Jyothi' was man made and the difference between 'makara Jyothi' and 'Makara Villaku'.
The stampede had occurred as the pilgrims were returning after witnessing 'makara jyothi' on Jan 14.
In another proceedings, the bench directed the convener of the state Disaster Management Authority to file an affidavit whether the district level Disaster management authority has been constituted at Idukki and Palakkad districts and if they had provided any assistance during the Jan 14 stampede at Pullumedu in which 102 Sabarimala pilgrims were killed.
Advocate General C P Sudhakara Prasad informed the court that even though services for setting high court was requested from the high court, it was not allowed.
The government was finding retired high court judge to head the judicial commission. The case has been posted after a month.