The Kerala High Court, on June 5, strongly criticized the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for failing to provide timely legal instructions to its Standing Counsel in a case related to the tragic electrocution of a pilgrim at Sabarimala. The Court was hearing Suo Motu proceedings initiated in response to the fatal incident.
The Division Bench, led by Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S, expressed serious concern over the Water Authority’s lack of urgency in such a sensitive matter. The Court was particularly troubled that even after repeated adjournments, KWA had still not provided proper instructions to its legal representative.
"Despite repeated adjournments, further time is sought on behalf of the learned Standing Counsel for Kerala Water Authority to get instructions regarding an incident that happened on 19.05.2025 at Sabarimala, that resulted in the death of a pilgrim Bharathamma, who is a native of Gopalpet in Telangana due to electrocution from the water kiosk at Shed No. 2 near Pamba… when she was returning after Darshan at Sabarimala."
The Court pointed out that the water kiosk, which should have been safely installed, was instead tied to an electric post using a GI wire, causing a hazardous situation. The kiosk was managed by the Kerala Water Authority.
"This has happened at a place where a Constitutional authority was about to have pilgrimage,” the Court observed orally.
Upon questioning, the Court learned that the designated Standing Counsel was a lawyer from the Thodupuzha Bar. The judges then instructed the substitute counsel to ensure the presence of the Standing Counsel in the Court by the forenoon itself.
The matter will be reviewed again on the upcoming Tuesday.
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Background of the Case
The Kerala High Court had initiated Suo Motu proceedings after a pilgrim lost her life due to electrocution from a drinking water kiosk at Pamba during the Edavamasa Pooja at Sabarimala.
A report dated 20.05.2025 from the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board was submitted by the Amicus Curiae. It recommended a joint inspection by the Electrical Inspectorate, Devaswom Electric Wing, and Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to prevent future mishaps.
Further, a report from the Executive Engineer (Electrical), Pamba and Nilakkal, was also submitted. Taking this seriously, the Court directed a joint inspection of all electrical systems on the trekking path from Pamba to Sannidhanam, as the temple was set to open on June 5 for Prathista Dinam.
“The joint inspection must be conducted by the District Electrical Inspector, Pathanamthitta, and the Assistant Engineer (Electrical), Travancore Devaswom Board, to ensure the safety of pilgrims,” the Court had ordered.
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Others
Case No.: SSCR No. 13 of 2025
