Kochi: The stench of an animal disrupted proceedings in the Kerala High Court on Tuesday.
Yes, you heard that right.
The bizarre incident was reported in the High Court’s Chamber 1, where Chief Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar was presiding over proceedings during the morning session.
The ‘culprit’ was an Asian Palm Civet, locally known as toddy cat or musang, which left behind a foul stench.
After hearings commenced on schedule, a strong smell spread through the air-conditioned chamber. After the CJ heard urgent matters, the court had to adjourn as the unpleasant odour intensified and became unbearable.
The toddy cat, which was captured by officials, is believed to have strayed into the high court premises from the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary, located behind the court.
The Asian palm civet, a nocturnal mammal species found in forests and urban areas, is known to be most active between night and dawn.
An omnivore which feeds mostly on fruits and berries, and occasionally small mammals and insects, the Asian palm civet is harmless. However, its movements and foul smell often create a nuisance in human dwellings.
CM Vijayan’s experience
Before Tuesday’s incident at the High Court, there have been similar complaints from Kerala’s top political leaders.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier shared that toddy cats disturbed his sleep by scampering across the tiled roof at night at his official residence in Thiruvananthapuram.
He also complained that his clothes were often ruined due to the animals’ urination.
Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan faced the same issue at his official residence, another old mansion in the state capital.
