HC refuses bail to 39 accused in temple fireworks tragedy

The Kerala High Court on Friday declined bail to 39 accused in the Kollam Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy that claimed 109 lives in April. The Court, however, granted bail to two other accused stating that they had no active role in causing the explosion. They had only sold some substance to contractors one or two months back, Justice P Ubaid said.

Refusing the bail to 39 accused, including the temple Trust officials, the judge observed that Kerala has developed a very unhealthy cultural practice that any religious festival or ceremony must be glamorised by fireworks and elephant parade.