Sabarimala Darshan: Kerala High Court Reinforces Ban On Modifications And Distraction On Vehicles Carrying Pilgrims

Following accidents of two vehicles carrying pilgrims on the Sabarimala route, the Kerala High Court has directed the Police and Motor Vehicle Department to ensure that the vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrimage strictly comply with its direction prohibiting modifications and unauthorized fittings in vehicles.

On November 17, a KSRTC bus deployed in the Nilakkal Pampa chain service caught fire, reportedly due to a short circuit. Fortunately, the bus was not carrying any passengers. Another contract carriage vehicle carrying pilgrims from Tamil Nadu reportedly overturned on their way.

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. noted that the contract carriage was fitted with unauthorized LED lights and other fittings in the driver cabin that could cause glare in the windshield.

It thus directed MVD officials connected to the edathavalams (place where pilgrims are provided with some facilities like bathroom, refreshment etc) to ensure strict compliance of its direction banning use of high-power audio systems, DJ dancing lights, laser lights, etc. as they violate safety standards and pose a potential fire hazard to the passengers.

The Court has also asked the officials to spread awareness among drivers and inform them, especially drivers from other States, about the road conditions in the Ghat sector of the roads leading to the area.