Kerala High Court stays trial in Puttingal fire tragedy case after SPP objects to his removal

The Kerala High Court on Monday stayed the trial in the 2016 Puttingal Devi Temple fireworks tragedy case until September 14 after the former special public prosecutor (SPP) in the case challenged the State decision to replace him [KP Jabbar v State of Kerala & ors].

Justice G Girish passed the order after former SPP KP Jabbar challenged the government decision to remove him midway during the trial.

The trial in the Puttingal Devi Temple fireworks tragedy case is currently pending before the Special Court (Additional Sessions Court-II) Kollam.

Jabbar had been representing the prosecution in the case before he was replaced by advocate G Subhadevan.

This prompted Jabbar to challenge the same before the High Court.

When the matter came up for hearing on September 7, the State government sought an adjournment to place on record a statement explaining the reasons for changing the SPP and to produce relevant files for the Court's examination.

The new SPP, who has been arrayed as the third respondent, also sought time to file a counter affidavit.

The Court consequently posted the matter for consideration on September 14 and ordered that the trial would remain stayed until then.

The criminal case in connection to this petition arises from the devastating fireworks explosion at the Puttingal Devi Temple at Paravur in Kollam in April 2016.

The explosion occurred during a fireworks display conducted as part of the temple festival and claimed more than 100 lives besides leaving several injured.

Senior counsel K Gopalakrishna Kurup along with advocates P Narayanan and Athul Tom appeared for the petitioner.

SPP Subhadevan was represented by advocates Johnson Gomez and Sanjay Johnson.

[Read Order]