Gosala cattle welfare: Kerala High Court directs TDB to act at Vaikom Mahadeva temple

The Kerala High Court criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board for poor gosala cattle welfare at Vaikom Mahadeva temple, citing deaths linked to starvation. The court ordered repairs, separate feeding areas for cows and bulls, improved hygiene and ventilation, adequate food, a full-time cowherd, and a dedicated bank account. Compliance is due within three months.

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday said the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had not treated cattle welfare as a priority at the Vaikom Mahadeva temple gosala in Kottayam district. The court said it was shocked that some cows had died from starvation. The bench issued time-bound steps for better care and warned that lapses would be taken seriously.

A bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar acted on a plea by Kochi resident M. Muraleedharan. The petition alleged poor upkeep at the Vaikom temple cowshed. Muraleedharan said two bulls and six cows were kept in bad conditions. The petition also sought an urgent, experienced, full-time cowherd.

Kerala High Court directions for TDB gosala management

The bench ordered TDB to appoint a full-time cowherd gopalakan for daily care. It also directed TDB to name an Administrative Officer of the Vaikom group for gosala management. The court asked for a separate bank account for protecting and maintaining gosalas under TDB control. All steps must be completed within three months.

The court listed repairs and basic facilities as immediate needs at the Vaikom temple gosala. It asked for separate feeding areas for bulls and cows. It also ordered proper hygiene, drainage, and ventilation. The directions also required arranging enough food for the cattle. The bench said any failure by TDB or the officer would be viewed seriously.

Kerala High Court remarks on TDB gosala conditions

After checking photographs filed by the petitioner, the judges said they showed the animals’ condition clearly. The court noted the cattle were donated by devotees through the nadayiruthal ritual. The bench said, "The Travancore Devaswom Board is giving little priority to the welfare of these animals. It is shocking and disturbing that some cows died due to starvation, and there is nobody in the Devaswom to look after them.\"

The assistant Devaswom Commissioner told the court that TDB increased fodder charges from Rs 150 to Rs 250 per animal. The officer also said TDB would take a decision on appointing a cowherd for maintenance. The Board also informed the court about its plan for shifting cattle to another centre.

Kerala High Court plan for TDB gosalas and funding

TDB said it planned to keep one bull symbolically at the Vaikom temple gosala. The Board said the remaining animals would be moved to the Kalikavu Bull Protection Centre in Ettumanoor. It also told the court that repairs and maintenance at Kalikavu would be finished within three months.

The bench said TDB may prepare a master plan to set up and maintain gosalas near Lord Siva temples. It said funds could include TDB’s own money and offerings kept in a separate account. The court also allowed corporate or other sponsorships for this purpose. The case was closed with further monitoring directions.

The bench disposed of the matter and asked TDB to file a compliance report before May 25. The court’s order set deadlines for repairs, staffing, and basic animal care at the gosala. It also required clearer responsibility within the Vaikom group administration. The directions aimed to prevent starvation and improve living conditions for the cattle.

With inputs from PTI