‘Where is the death certificate?’; HC on samadhi of Gopan Swami, rejects family’s demand

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court rejected the plea filed by the family against the collector’s order to demolish the samadhi of Neyyattinkara Gopan Swami. The court asked the family to explain how Gopan died. The court clarified that further proceedings can be stopped if they have a death certificate and if not, will not interfere in the process of opening the slab.

The court asked the petitioners why they are afraid. The court assessed that his death is suspicious. The court, which accepted the plea on file, will consider it again next week. The court has decided not to stop the police action until then. The family filed the plea in the high court demanding that the 41-day puja after the death be performed without interruption. The plea was filed by his wife Sulochana. This demand was rejected. What is happening now is a natural procedure. The court clarified that the investigation cannot be stopped or extended at present. A notice was issued to the government to respond to the plea.

However, the lawyer appearing for the petitioners argued that the RDO's order was not legal. The court then asked how the death occurred. The court clarified that the police are investigating because his death is suspicious and that the police have the right to investigate if there is any suspicion on the death of a person.