Media Persons With ID Cards Issued By Travancore Devaswom Board Alone Can Remain At Sabarimala Sannidhanam: Kerala High Court

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran And Justice Muralee Krishna S was considering the issue of stay of media persons at Sabarimala ahead of the Maasapoojas and Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season of 2024-25.

“Accordingly, the Board is directed to issue identity cards for media persons on a written recommendation by the Head of a print media having registration with Registrar of Newspapers of India or Visual Media having licence with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, based on the recommendation of the 6th respondent Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (Superintendent of Police)…. Persons holding identity cards alone shall be permitted to remain at Sannidhanam, since the entry of pilgrims to Sabarimala is regulated by Virtual-Q booking and spot booking, against available slots.

The Government Pleader also pointed out that Sabarimala and its vicinity are declared as a 'Special Security Zone' under Section 83(1) of the Kerala Police Act and steps have to be taken to ensure safe pilgrimage for devotees.

On considering the report of the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner submitted suggestions before the Court to ensure that only accredited media persons shall remain at Sabarimala Sannidhanam for reporting.

Based on the suggestions of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, the Court thus stated that media persons can be issued identity cards by the Travancore Devaswom Board upon receiving a recommendation letter based on the recommendation of the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (Superintendent of Police).

The Court further stated that only media persons with identity cards could be given accommodation in the allotted rooms for media personnel. The court said, “ No other person shall be permitted to occupy the allotted room.”

Case Number: SSCR NO. 80 OF 2024

Case Title: Suo Moto v State of Kerala