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 meetings. The court also held that the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) cannot allow events to be held at the Maidan by State government departments.

CDB had informed the court that it was facing a serious financial crisis and was unable to effectively manage all the 409 temples under it and could significantly increase its income if it did not need court permission to rent out the Maidan for religious, cultural or other events. The additional income will be used for development of temples and welfare of devotees, the board said.

He also sought permission to allow activities related to Devaswom department or temples under various Devaswom boards in Maidan without any license fee.

The court directed that no permanent or semi-permanent structures should be allowed on the Maidan without prior approval. It also identified conditions that should be included in agreements between program organizers and the Board, such as proper waste management, regulation of sound levels, and prohibition of the use of non-biodegradable materials, among others.

In 1990, the court had allowed the Board to issue temporary licenses for seasonal business such as sale of watermelons and exhibitions during Thrissur Pooram. In 2003, the court said that the Maidan could only be used for activities that would not hurt the sentiments of devotees.

In 2010, restrictions were imposed on permanent construction in the Square and the court directed the afforestation activities there. It had also intervened in 2022 to allow exhibitions at the Pooram site to support the Board during the financial crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and later to stop the installation of hoardings and structures impeding the rights of pedestrians.