In a severe blow to the Communist government, the Kerala High Court on Monday (5 November) came down heavily saying that the government has no authority over the day-to-day affairs of the temple, reports Janmabhumi.

The court also criticised the LDF government for not taking action against the police excesses during the protests last month. Erring officials can also be identified from the visuals just as the protesting devotees.

Police have to explain the circumstances under which the vehicles were destroyed. These officers also deserve to be punished. Destruction of private property by police officials cannot be considered part of duty, said the HC. Earlier, visuals of police officials vandalising parked motorcycles went viral on social media and had drawn a lot of criticism from various corners.

The court asked the government to initiate a departmental inquiry against those police officials.

It also directed the government to not give undue pressure to the temple administrator, The Travancore Devaswom Board, and said that the State government’s role was only limited to providing security and ensuring law and order at Sabarimala.

The court also asked the State police not to create any inconvenience to devotees entering Sabarimala.