Today (29th February): The Kerala High Court has called upon the state government to provide a response to a compensation plea filed by victims of the Thrippunithura firecracker blast. The plea, submitted by affected residents, seeks financial support and assistance following the tragic incident.
Kerala: Today, 29th February: In response to the tragic explosions that happened in the vicinity of Puthiyakavu Bhaghavathi Temple during its festival on February 12, residents near the temple have petitioned the Kerala High Court, demanding compensation for damages to their properties. The bench headed by Justice Viju Abraham, who has initiated legal proceedings to address the residents’ grievances.
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The petition, admitted by Justice Abraham, issued notices to both the State authorities and the temple’s management committee, devaswom, and the Vadekkeppuram NSS Karayogam. The court has also instructed the government pleader to ascertain the appropriate authority responsible for assessing the extent of property damage suffered by the petitioners.
The legal representation for the petitioners includes advocates MH Asif Ali, S Muhammed Haneef, Aravind T Ramesh, Rajana Jose, and KM Fathima.
Allegations put forth by the residents of Choorakkadu Thekkumbhagam point to the illegal transportation and storage of a significant quantity of explosives within the temple premises. Despite lacking the requisite licenses for such activities, the temple management and associated organizations purportedly stored and handled firecrackers without implementing necessary safety protocols.
Tragically, the explosion occurred during the unloading of these firecrackers, resulting in casualties, injuries to numerous individuals, and extensive damage to nearby residences and properties within a one-kilometer radius of the blast site. The aftermath left windows shattered, doors demolished, and various household items irreparably damaged. Additionally, sharp debris caused bodily harm to several petitioners, with some requiring medical attention due to severe ear injuries and other complications.
“It is to be noted that, the explosive were stored in a densely populated area without adhering to any of the mandatory provisions of law… Windows, doors, all glass materials including crockery item, lights, wardrobes, and kitchen cupboards etc were all broken and destroyed. Roof tiles, asbestos sheet were also broken. Further, sharp objects including glass materials pierced through a few of the petitioners’ body causing bodily injury as well. The sound of explosion was trembling and colossal that many were taken to hospitals due to bleeding from ears as well as other complications,”
the plea explained.
The petitioners attribute the incident not only to the negligence of those directly involved in the transportation and storage of explosives but also to the dereliction of duty on the part of the State government and its agencies. Consequently, they urge the court to compel the State government to evaluate the damages incurred by the petitioners and provide adequate compensation accordingly.
In their plea, the petitioners also seek redress for the psychological trauma endured, requesting compensation amounting to Rs 1 lakh to address their mental anguish. Furthermore, they advocate for stringent measures to prevent future mishaps, calling for strict adherence to the Explosives Act of 1884 and the Explosives Rules of 2008 in any display, transportation, or storage of fireworks at temple premises.
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By addressing the aftermath of the tragic explosion through legal channels, the Kerala High Court endeavors to ensure justice for the affected residents while emphasizing the importance of safety regulations in public festivities and religious ceremonies.
Case Title: Gopinadhan C & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Ors