Indian court gives bail to 41 accused in southern Indian temple tragedy

The High Court in Kerala on Monday freed on bail 41 accused in a temple tragedy in the southern state's Kollam town in April this year, in which over 110 people were killed.

The High Court granted bail to 41 people, including the temple trust officials, after the police failed to file the charge sheet against them within the mandatory 90-day deadline.

The court had earlier refused bail to all of them and observed that Kerala has developed a very unhealthy cultural practice that any religious festival or ceremony must be glamorised by fireworks.

"It is high time we banned or controlled the use of fireworks, explosive substances and elephant parades in connection with festivals. No religion will promote such explosive ceremonies," it said.

More than 110 people were killed and over 1,000 others were injured after a stray spark from fireworks triggered a massive explosion and fire at the Puttingal Devi temple in April this year.

The mishap happened when thousands of people gathered near the temple during a display of fireworks in the wee hours of Sunday. Enditem