Kerala High Court Asks Govt To Issue Necessary Health Advisories To Sabarimala Pilgrims Amid Nipah Virus Outbreak In Kozhikode
Amid outbreak of Nipah virus in Kerala's Kozhikode, the High Court has directed the Health Secretary to issue advisories, if necessary, to Sabarimala Pilgrims visiting the temple during Kannimasa Pooja.Total virtual queue booking for the pooja from September 17 has already reached 34,860.The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Sophy Thomas was hearing a suo moto...
Amid outbreak of Nipah virus in Kerala's Kozhikode, the High Court has directed the Health Secretary to issue advisories, if necessary, to Sabarimala Pilgrims visiting the temple during Kannimasa Pooja.
Total virtual queue booking for the pooja from September 17 has already reached 34,860.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Sophy Thomas was hearing a suo moto case registered on the report filed by Sabarimala's Special Commissioner, calling for advisories from the Directorate of Health Services.
Senior government pleader informed the Court that affected areas have been declared as containment zones and there is a complete restriction of movement of persons within these areas. Moreover, all persons who had contacts with the those affected by Nipah Virus have been identified and they are also under quarantine.
“Having considered the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to direct the 2nd respondent Health Secretary, if found necessary, to issue advisory to Sabrimala pilgrims during Kannimasa Pooja from 17.09.2023 to 22.09.2023, with intimation to the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala and also the 8th respondent Executive Officer, Sabarimala,” the bench ordered and disposed of the matter.
Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 487
Case title: Suo Moto V. State of Kerala