Kerala High Court Adjourns Petition on Mahamagha Mahotsavam Stop Memo
A petition challenging a stop memo issued for the Mahamagha Mahotsavam in the Bharatapuzha river has reached the Kerala High Court. The court adjourned the hearing to Tuesday.
Stop Memo Alleges River Protection Act Violations
The Thirunavaya village officer issued the stop memo on January 8. It alleged that preparatory works for the Mahotsavam violated the Kerala River Protection Act, 2001. According to the memo, organizers constructed a temporary bridge by encroaching upon the river. They also used JCBs to level the riverbed.
Petitioner Claims Stop Memo is Illegal
M K Vinayakumar, the general convener of the Mahamagha Mahotsava Samithy, filed the petition. He argued that the stop memo is illegal. The Samithy obtained all necessary permissions to conduct the Mahotsavam. Justice C Jayachandran heard the petition and adjourned it to Tuesday.
Mahamagha Mahotsavam: A Historic Revival
The Mahamagha Mahotsavam is a historic Hindu pilgrimage held at Thirunavaya. People often call it the "Kumbh Mela of Southern Bharat." The event is reviving after a gap of 250 years. British authorities discontinued it during their period. Organizers expect about one lakh devotees to visit the "Thrimoorthy Sangamam" at Thirunavaya. They will take a holy dip in the river.
Authorities Held Meetings Before Stop Memo
The petitioner stated that several authorities held meetings with the organizers. These included the district collector, district police chief, regional fire officer, and Thirunavaya panchayat secretary. The district collector issued detailed guidelines for the Mahotsavam. Despite this coordination, the village officer issued the stop memo.
The petitioner claims the stop memo lacks jurisdiction. He argues it amounts to an abuse of power. The High Court will now decide the matter on Tuesday.
