JUDGMENT :

ANIL K. NARENDRAN, J.

1. The common issue raised in these Writ Petitions relates to the conduct of Kaliyoottu festival at Major Vellayani Bhadrakali Devi Temple, which is a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

2. W.P. (C) No. 4729 of 2023 is one filed by the Temple Advisory Committee of Major Vellayani Bhadrakali Devi Temple and another seeking a writ of mandamus commanding respondents 2 to 6 to consider Ext.P1 representation dated 08.02.2023 and take necessary steps to ensure the use of saffron/orange coloured decorative materials at the temple premises and festival ground, during Kaliyoottu festival at Major Vellayani Bhadrakali Devi Temple. The petitioner has also sought for a writ of mandamus commanding the respondents to maintain law and order and ensure adequate and effective protection to the petitioners as well as devotees of Major Vellayani Bhadrakali Devi Temple, during Kaliyoottu festival of 2023, which is scheduled to be held from 14.02.2023 to 24.04.2023; and to restrain the 7th respondent Inspector of Police, Nemom Police Station, from interfering with the affairs of the Temple Advisory Committee and the devotees during Kaliyoottu fest