Dolly Workers With Police Verification Certificate, Health Cards To Carry Pilgrims To Sabarimala: Kerala High Court Issues Directions

For context, a dolly is a reclining bamboo cane chair used for carrying pilgrims who are unable to walk the trekking path from Pamba to Sannidhanam. Four workers carry the dolly, which is tied to the poles using plastic and coir ropes.

A  division bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajithkumar passed the order based on the report of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner about a 59-year-old devotee falling from the dolly and sustaining injuries.

“The Travancore Devaswom Board shall ensure the fitness of the dollies used for carrying pilgrims through the trekking path before the commencement of each Maasapooja and Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season, through the additional Executive Engineer, Sabarimala Development Project and the Assistant Engineer, Pamba.”

The Chief Police Co-ordinator at Sabarimala submitted report before the Court that a devotee fell down from the dolly due to the breaking of wooden log tied to the dolly chair for lifting the dolly. It was stated that dolly carriers were using dollies which were not properly maintained. It was further submitted that the Devaswom authorities must fix the life span of each dolly to prevent such accidents.

The Court noted that 308 dollies are used in Sabarimala, and 1532 persons have obtained registration as dolly workers. It said that the authorities shall ensure that dollies are inspected and given fitness certificates before each Masapooja and festival season.

The Court has also directed that "only registered dolly workers with valid police verification certificates and health cards" shall carry the pilgrims. It also stated that life span of each dolly shall be fixed and they shall be destroyed after that.

The Court has also directed for publication of charges for dollies in the Virtual Q Platform to ensure that exorbitant charges are not taken from the pilgrims.

The Court further stated that Duty Magistrates at Pamba and Sannidhanam and also the officers in the Vigilance Wing of the Travancore Devaswom shall carry out "periodical inspections" of dollies during Maasapoojas and Mandala-Makaravilakku festival seasons. In case there is any "exploitation" by the dolly workers and is noticed, the same shall be reported to the Executive Officer, Sabarimala, for taking action against the dolly workers.

Case Number: SSCR NO. 24 OF 2024

Case Title: Suo Moto v State of Kerala

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 710

Click here to Read/Download the Order