Kerala High Court Directs Devaswaom Board To Ensure Pilgrims' Darshan Is Not Obstructed Due To VIP Darshan At Sabarimala

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K.Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. passed the above order based on the Special Commissioner's report that obstruction was caused to pilgrims at Sabarimala on December 05, 2024 due to the arrival of Malayalam Film Actor Dileep for darshan.

“We deem it appropriate to direct Travancore Devaswom Board to take necessary steps to ensure that such incidents, causing obstruction of a proper darshan by the pilgrims who are standing, which includes children of tender age, senior citizens and persons of disability are not repeated in front of Sopanam of Sabarimala during Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season.

The Court was informed by the Special Commissioner that there was crowding and choking of pilgrims and their darshan was obstructed. It was informed that Dileep was in front of Sopanam in Sabarimala during the entire ceremony which disrupted the effective crowd management.

The Court orally remarked that it would initiate contempt proceedings against officials who grant special privileges to celebrities and other VIPs without adhering to the Court's orders on crowd management. It also indicated that it would determine whether to include these celebrities, who create obstacles for pilgrims, as additional respondents in the case.

The Court has sought report from the officers in charge in Sabarimala and has also directed for production of CCTV footage.

Case Number: SSCR 79/ 2024

Case Title: Suo Moto v State of Kerala