In a severe blow to the government of Kerala, Kerala High Court Justice PR Ramachandran has come down heavily on the state police force for excess action at Sabarimala, reports Live Law.

The court reportedly asked the police not to implement the Supreme Court ruling using force on devotees. The court also questioned the rationale behind heavy restrictions at the temple. It has also asked for explanations for not allowing devotees to stay at the temple premises.

The court also took a dig at the lack of facilities at the temple. “A devotee who starts from Nilakkal could only find food at Sannidhanam”, it said.

The Justice made an oral observation that police are harassing genuine devotees and asked the Advocate General to be present by 1.45 pm today (19 November) to explain the same.

The government will have to report the names and details of the personnel deployed in Sabarimala and justify that they are adequately trained in handling crowd at places of worship.

Earlier, while disposing of the plea requesting a ban on non-Hindus from entering Sabarimala, the court had expressed its discontent over the police excesses at the temple.

The court reportedly frowned upon the police atrocities at the shrine, which included damaging vehicles, and asked what action the government took against the erring policemen. The court also noted that the erring policemen could be identified from the videos captured.

Also Read: Kerala HC Slams Police Excesses Against Sabarimala Devotees, Demands Rogue Officers’ Identification Via Videos