Kerala High Court Intervenes in 2025 Christmas Bumper Lottery Prize Dispute
The Kerala High Court has issued a significant order, directing the state lottery department to suspend the disbursement of prize money for the 2025 Christmas Bumper Lottery. This decision came on Friday, with the court adjourning the hearing of a related petition until February 27, pending further instructions.
Petitioner's Claim: Lost Winning Ticket in Courier Mix-Up
The case was brought forward by Sajimon K K, a retired civil police officer from Piravom. He asserts that he purchased the ticket that won the first prize in the Christmas Bumper Lottery but subsequently lost it under unusual circumstances. In his petition, Sajimon requested the court to prevent the lottery department from releasing the prize money until his complaint is thoroughly investigated.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, presiding over the bench, has mandated the director of state lotteries to submit a photocopy of both sides of the winning lottery ticket in a sealed cover. Additionally, the court has ordered the provision of details regarding the individual who has claimed the first prize, ensuring transparency in the ongoing inquiry.
Detailed Account of the Alleged Incident
According to the petitioner's statement, Sajimon operates a contract carriage minivan that transports Sabarimala pilgrims from Ernakulam South railway station. On December 12, following a trip, a pilgrim from Visakhapatnam reportedly left behind a steel container containing sacred ghee prasadam. Sajimon claims he collected the container and informed the pilgrim that he would send it via courier.
He further explained that he had purchased the Bumper Lottery ticket and, seeking good fortune, placed it inside the carry bag along with the ghee container. On the day the lottery results were announced, Sajimon experienced an accidental fall, which rendered him unconscious. It took several days for him to regain full orientation and awareness of his surroundings.
Upon recovery, Sajimon inadvertently handed over the carry bag, which contained both the ghee container and the lottery ticket, to the staff of a private courier service for dispatch to the pilgrim. Realizing his mistake shortly after, he immediately requested the courier staff to cancel the booking. However, he alleges that despite his efforts, the container was delivered to the pilgrim, and the lottery ticket—which had won the first prize—was allegedly taken by the courier staff.
Legal and Investigative Steps Taken
In response to these events, Sajimon lodged a formal police complaint, urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. The High Court's intervention now adds a judicial layer to this investigation, emphasizing the need for a fair and comprehensive examination before any prize money is distributed.
The court's order underscores the importance of verifying claims in lottery disputes, particularly when significant sums are involved. By halting the payout and demanding detailed evidence, the judiciary aims to ensure that justice is served and that the rightful winner is identified without prejudice.
This case highlights the complexities that can arise in lottery systems, where lost tickets and disputed claims can lead to legal battles. The outcome of the February 27 hearing will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future, affecting both lottery participants and regulatory bodies.
