IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.R.RAMAN & THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.R.RAMACHANDRA MENON THURSDAY, THE 17TH DECEMBER 2009 / 26TH AGRAHAYANA 1931 WP(C).No. 36476 of 2009(D) PETITIONER(S): JAYARAM.K.K, KALIYANTHARA HOUSE, PORUTHUSSERRY DESOM, IRINJALAKUDA NORTH, THRISSUR DISTRICT. BY ADV. MR.RAJESH CHAKYAT RESPONDENT(S): 1. SREE KOODALMANIKAM DEVASWOM, IRINJALAKUDA, REP. BY THE CHAIRMAN, OFFICE OF THE MANAGING COMMITTEE, KOTTALAKKAL, IRINJALAKUDA. 2. SREE KOODALMANIKKAM DEVASWOM MANAGING COMMITTEE, REP. BY THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 17/12/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: P.R.RAMAN & P.R.RAMACHANDRA MENON, JJ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W.P.(C). No.36476 of 2009 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dated this the 17th day of DECEMBER, 2009 J U D G M E N T Raman,J. 1. Petitioner is a devotee of Lord Koodalmanikam Temple, Thrissur. He points out that usually during Mandalam season, the temple used to close a little later than the regular timings. It is now stated that the renovation work is being carried out by the Archaeological Department. To enable them to start the renovation work, there is some adjustments made in the opening and closing of the temple. 2. Accordingly the closing time of the temple is advanced to 9 a.m. Since, during the Mandalam season, large number of devotees used to come for Darshan from out side the State, closing the temple at 9 a.m cause hardship and inconvenience to the devotees especially those who come from other States. Accordingly, petitioner seeks W.P.C.36476 OF 2009 2 for a direction to the Devaswam, to keep open the temple till 11.30am, till the Mandalam season is over. 3. The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the Archaeological Department submitted that, since workers are deputed for the work, who are from outside the State, and since the work have to be completed within a time bound manner, extending the Darshan timings of the temple may cause inconvenience and delay in the process of completion of work. The standing counsel appearing for Devaswam Board, however, submits that they are prepared to abide by any direction, issued by this court. 4. Considering the grievance raised by the petitioner and also considering the difficulties that has been pointed out on behalf of the Archaeological Department, we are satisfied that some modification in the darshan timing is required to be made during the Mandalam season. However, it cannot remain open till 11.30 a.m as prayed for. Accordingly, we direct that till Mandalam season is over, W.P.C.36476 OF 2009 3 the Western Entry to the temple be kept open till 10.30 am. However, the Eastern door could be closed by 10 a.m. 5. Issue a copy of this order to all parties concerned. P.R.RAMAN, JUDGE P.R. RAMACHANDRA MENON, JUDGE nl