The Kerala High Court has temporarily stayed the trial proceedings in the 2016 Puttingal Devi Temple fireworks tragedy case in Kollam. Justice G. Girish issued the interim order after former Special Public Prosecutor K.P. Jabbar challenged the Kerala government’s decision to replace him while the trial was underway. The case is being heard before the Additional Sessions Court-II in Kollam.
The State government has been given time to explain the reasons behind the replacement of the Special Public Prosecutor and to produce the relevant files before the High Court. The newly appointed prosecutor has also sought time to submit a response. The High Court has posted the matter for further consideration on September 14, 2026, with the stay on the trial continuing until then.
The Puttingal Devi Temple fireworks tragedy occurred at Paravur in Kollam in April 2016 during a temple festival. A massive explosion during the fireworks display claimed more than 100 lives and injured around 350 people, while several nearby houses were also damaged.
The latest court intervention does not decide the merits of the criminal case. It temporarily pauses the trial while the High Court examines the dispute surrounding the change of the Special Public Prosecutor. The proceedings are expected to resume depending on the court’s decision after the September 14 hearing.
News as reported
