Kerala HC allows devaswom minister to convene Thrissur Pooram review meeting

Kochi: High court has permitted the devaswom minister to convene a meeting in Thrissur on Thursday to review preparatory works and ensure proper coordination among all concerned in connection with the Thrissur Pooram, despite the election model code of conduct (MCC) being in force.A bench of Justice S Manu issued the order in a petition filed by the state govt seeking a directive to the Election Commission to permit the devaswom minister to convene such a meeting ahead of the Thrissur Pooram, scheduled to be held on April 26 and 27.EC strongly opposed the petition, contending that it had already permitted the chief secretary to hold a review meeting in connection with the festival, and that he had effectively convened a meeting and taken all necessary steps for its smooth and peaceful conduct. Counsel for EC further submitted that the presence of the devaswom minister was not required for this purpose and that permitting him to convene a meeting would be against the spirit of the MCC. It was also argued that allowing a political leader to convene such a meeting while MCC is in force could create a different perception.Meanwhile, the govt pleader submitted that there has been a long-standing practice whereby the devaswom minister convenes a meeting of all stakeholders in Thrissur prior to the Pooram festival to ensure its proper conduct. He argued that the minister's presence is essential to ensure effective participation and coordination among all concerned. The govt pleader also referred to a previous directive of a division bench in Dec 2025, that had permitted the devaswom minister to convene a meeting for coordinating activities related to the Sabarimala pilgrimage while the MCC for local body elections was in force.Accordingly, the single bench allowed the petition and directed that a representative of the chief election commissioner be permitted to attend the meeting to ensure that no MCC violation takes place.