Guruvayur-Don’t allow constructions within 100 metres of outer wall: High Court

This is in view of the undertaking given by the Guruvayur Devaswom and the state government that they proposed to acquire the land up to 100 metres around the temple in a phased manner, in compliance with an earlier court order.

The High Court had directed the acquisition of the land around the temple for eliminating traffic congestion and the development of the temple.

However, owing to objections from the local residents, the Devaswom and the government had reduced the distance to 25 metres.

The matter was finally settled by the Supreme Court when it disposed of the appeal against the judgment of the High Court by recording the submission of the Devaswom and the government that a phased manner acquisition would be made as per the court directives.

Even if no time-frame has been fixed by the Supreme Court, obviously it has to be done within a reasonable time, the Bench, consisting of Justice C N Ramachandran Nair and Justice V K Mohanan, said while disposing of a writ petition filed by the Guruvayur Devaswom Employees Association.

Land up to 25 metres has already been acquired. Therefore it is for the Devaswom to take progressive steps to acquire more land to make it up to 100 metres.

Since the land is proposed for the development of the temple, the municipality should not grant any approval for permanent constructions in the area.