Kochi, Thursday, January 27, 2011: The State Government today informed the High Court that it does not propose to conduct any kind of probe into the controversy relating to ‘Makara Jyothi’ and ’Makara Vilakku’ in the backdrop of Sabarimala tragedy happened in January 14, which claimed 102 lives.

The submission in this regard was made by Government Pleader before the division bench comprising Justice Thothathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice PS. Gopinath when 3 petitions, including that by Rationalists association came up before the bench.

The Government Pleader said that the Chief Minister has already stated that the Government does not want to hold any probe in this regard. He pointed at media reports quoting Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, stating that the Government was not going to probe whether it was a divine phenomenon or man-lit exercise as the whole issue was a matter of faith for millions.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court asked the Travancore Devaswom Board to clarify whether Makara Jyothi was man made. The Court also directed the board to explain the difference between Makara Vilaku and Makara Jyothi.

A Division Bench of the HC came down heavily on the State Government and the Devaswom Board pondering it would be better to deny entry of pilgrims to Pullumedu, in case basic facilities cannot be assured. The Court asked why the Government had failed to ensure facilities even after Pullumedu was identified as a spot gap for Sabarimala pilgrims.