Elephant parading: Judge who pronounced verdict was lawyer of animal protection organization, complaint filed with Chief Justice

THRISSUR: The Poora Premi Sangham, a group of festival lovers, has lodged a complaint against the division bench judge who pronounced the verdict in connection with elephant parading in the state. In its complaint filed with the High Court Chief Justice, Poora Premi Sangham stated that the judge who delivered the verdict in the case had previously served as a lawyer for the animal rights organisation 'PETA' and that he should be removed from the bench considering the matter. A complaint signed by 1021 people has been submitted to the Kerala Chief Justice. The complaint claims that the fact that the judge had previously represented PETA through the Menon & Pai law firm in a similar case is evidence of the bench's prejudice in the matter.

Meanwhile, Poora Premi Sangham organized a one-day hunger strike in front of the Corporation Office, demanding the preservation of festival celebrations and the relaxation of regulations on firecrackers. The hunger strike was inaugurated by Mayor M.K. Varghese.