Bhaskaran P.P. vs State Of Kerala

N.Nagaresh, J

Petitioner has approached this Court seeking to direct the 2nd respondent to consider and pass orders on Ext.P6 petition expeditiously, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.

The petitioner states that adjacent to the house of the petitioner, the petitioner has constructed a Madappura for worshipping his favourite deity Sree Muthappan. The Prathishta of Sree Muthappan which was existing in the property was accordingly shifted to the Madappura. For construction and functioning of a Madappura, which is a place of worship, consent from the District Authority is necessary in view of the Manual of Guidelines to Prevent and Control Communal Disturbances and to Promote Communal Harmony. Therefore, the petitioner has submitted Ext.P6 application on 15.09.2021. The petitioner seeks expeditious decision on Ext.P6.

I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader representing respondents 1 and 2. In view of the nature of the order to be pronounced in this writ petition, notice to the 3rd respondent is dispensed with.

Since the establishment and functioning of a place of worship require previous consent of the District Administration in view of the provisions contained in the Manual of Guidelines to Prevent and Control Communal Disturbances and to Promote Communal Harmony, the petitioner has preferred Ext.P6. In view of the requirement under the said Guidelines, it is only just and necessary that the 2nd respondent takes a decision on Ext.P6 at the earliest.

In such circumstances, the writ petition is disposed of directing the 2nd respondent to consider and take a decision on Ext.P6 application submitted by the petitioner, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of three months,  after  affording  an opportunity  of  hearing  to the petitioner.