Kerala temple fire: HC raps police says they failed on every count

New Delhi, April 12: The Kerala High Court today took to task the police and the administration over their failure to prevent the major tragedy at the Puttingal temple in which 110 persons lost their lives as a result of a fire accident last Sunday.

Suggesting that it is best that the matter be handed over to the CBI, the High Court made stinging remarks against the police. The court however observed that fircrackers with loud decibels cannot be used after sunset.

The court is hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by Justice V Chidambaresh. The judge had written a letter to the Chief Justice seeking a ban on high decibel firecrackers. The letter was converted into a public interest litigation petition.

Police have failed on every count:

The court had harsh words for the police which it said had failed on every count. When the hearing began, the court sought to know from the state government whether there was permission granted to the temple authorities to hold a fireworks display.

The state government in its reply said that no permission was granted for fireworks display. There has been a clear violation of the law the government also submitted.

The state government as well as the police submitted that the temple administration ignored the ban on fireworks.

If there was no permission why were the fireworks allowed inside the temple the court asked.
The police when asked about the amount of gun power was used in the firecrackers which led to such a huge explosion were unable to explain it to the court.

The attitude has been lackadaisical the court observed. Don't you think in such a scenario it is better to hand over the probe to the CBI, the court also asked.

Further the court directed the police and the district administration to file two separate affidavits in connection with the incident.

The court also took to task the revenue department saying their role also needs to be looked into. If there has been dereliction of duty, then stringent action needs to be taken, the high court further observed.

Further the court also stated that the police appear to have ignored the stash of firecrackers stored at the temple.

You knew that there was a ban on fireworks and despite that you seem to have ignored the stash of fireworks, the court stated. This is gross violation of human rights, the court said while pointing out that the police had failed to provide basic safety to the people.

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