Kerala High Court Scraps Colonial-Era 'Tom-Tom' Announcements for Property Seizures

The Kerala High Court's Rules Committee has decided to abolish the centuries-old practice of using 'tom-tom' (drumbeat) and 'kinnam mutti vilambaram' (striking a metal pot) to announce property attachment proceedings. The decision, taken following a sustained campaign by a rights activist, will end a tradition that dates back to the era of princely rule in Kerala and persisted through the colonial period. The custom was still prevalent in some courts across the state until now.

The practice involved court officials beating drums or striking metal vessels to publicly notify communities about impending property seizures, ensuring wide dissemination in an era before modern communication. In 2016, the charges for these announcements were increased from ₹15 to ₹100, reflecting their continued official use. The rights activist argued that the practice was archaic, caused public humiliation, and violated privacy rights, prompting the High Court's Rules Committee to review and ultimately remove the provision.

The removal is expected to streamline property attachment procedures and align them with contemporary legal standards, though it may face resistance from traditionalists who view the practice as a cultural relic. The decision could inspire similar reforms in other Indian states where colonial-era customs linger in the judiciary. Next steps include issuing formal amendments to the High Court rules and ensuring all subordinate courts comply with the new directive.